parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

plural parvoviruses

1

: any of a family (Parvoviridae) of single-stranded DNA viruses that include the causative agents of fifth disease in humans, panleukopenia in cats, and parvovirus in dogs

2

: a highly contagious febrile viral disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain of the parvovirus (Protoparvovirus carnivoran1) causing panleukopenia in cats, and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

Examples of parvovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Early signs of canine parvovirus in dogs include lethargy, lack of appetite and fever, PetMD said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

In the shelter, he was kenneled with a dog who had deadly parvovirus. —Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

Most vets use combination products that include distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus (DHP), then give a separate rabies vaccine (often at the same time as DHP). —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

One virus linked to this is parvovirus B19, which commonly causes Fifth Disease in children. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin parvus small (akin to Greek pauros small, paid-, pais child) + New Latin -o- + virus — more at few

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for parvovirus

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

Medical Definition

parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of a subfamily (Parvovirinae)

2

: a highly contagious febrile disease of canines and especially dogs that is caused by a strain of a parvovirus (Protoparvovirus carnivoran1), is spread especially by contact with infected feces, and is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

called also canine parvovirus, parvo