polyoma virus

[ pol-ee-oh-muh ]

noun

1. a small DNA-containing virus, of the papovavirus group, that can produce a variety of tumors in mice, hamsters, rabbits, and rats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyoma virus¹

First recorded in 1955–60; poly- + -oma

Example Sentences

Dr. Leon Goldman, a University of Cincinnati dermatologist, reports that doctors can say for certain only that warts are produced by a polyoma virus, a highly contagious carrier.

From Time Magazine Archive

After all, it had already been shown that some animal cancers were caused by the polyoma virus.

From Time Magazine Archive

Starting with viruses that infect bacteria, Dr. Dulbecco went on to show the mechanism by which polyoma virus, which causes many animal cancers, infects cells.

From Time Magazine Archive

Drs. Stewart and Eddy have gone a vital step farther, treated their virus with rabbit serum, and made a vaccine that protects a big majority of normally susceptible animals against the polyoma virus' effects.

From Time Magazine Archive

Patricia, a lone baby monkey harboring polyoma virus, has her own spotless nursery where she is cared for by Nurse Althea Higgins.

From Time Magazine Archive