human papillomavirus

noun

: any of numerous papillomaviruses (as of the genera Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus) that cause various human papillomas (such as genital warts and plantar warts) and include some associated with the production of human cancer

—abbreviation HPV

Examples of human papillomavirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers have found a steep drop in deaths from cervical cancer, all thanks to the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Gardasil is the only vaccine used in the U.S. to protect against human papillomavirus, which causes some cancers. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Oral cancers associated with the human papillomavirus also are rising. —Tina Reed, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

However, Warren then questioned Kennedy about his financial ties to a lawsuit against Merck over its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human papillomavirus

• adenovirus
• baculovirus
• coronavirus
• enterovirus
• poliovirus
• antivirus
• herpesvirus
• parvovirus
• reovirus
• retrovirus
• rhinovirus
• rotavirus

Medical Definition

human papillomavirus

noun

: a double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus (species Human papillomavirus) that has numerous genotypes causing various human warts (as the common warts of the extremities, plantar warts, and genital warts) including some associated with the production of cervical cancer

called also HPV