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

Food has often been the source of norovirus outbreaks: at least 80 people were sickened by oysters at an event in California last December. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025

During the week ending Dec. 5, 2024, the latest date for which data is available, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025

The cases mark the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America ships since early December, following others on its Eurodam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam vessels. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Indeed, research shows that rubbing your fingers together while washing your hands is an effective strategy for reducing the number of norovirus particles lingering there. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 14 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