norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˈnȯr-ə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a genus (Norovirus) of small, round, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows, pigs, and dogs)

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus

Examples of norovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most recent data from the CDC show that, from Aug. 1 to Dec. 11, 2024, the U.S. saw 495 norovirus outbreaks—over 100 more than the same time period from 2023. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Plus: The state also saw a historic number of norovirus outbreaks in December, further straining clinics. —Kyle Stokes, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025

Protecting those at-risk people from severe effects of respiratory illness and norovirus requires a group effort, said Mohammed Raja, MD, assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. —John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2025

This season, only around 7% of norovirus outbreaks have been linked to that GII.4 strain. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English Norwalk virus + New Latin -o- + virus

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

norovirus

noun

nor·​o·​virus ˌnȯr-ō-ˈvī-rəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of small, round, single-stranded, highly infectious RNA viruses that includes a single species (species Norwalk virus) with various strains causing gastroenteritis in people and animals (such as cows and dogs)

2

: any virus of the genus Norovirus

People spread the virus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth or having direct contact with another person who is infected.

—Cherie Black, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Note: In people, noroviruses cause gastroenteritis marked chiefly by sudden onset, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

see norwalk virus