paramyxovirus

[ par-uh-mik-suh-vahy-ruhs, -mik-suh-vahy- ]

noun

, plural par·a·myx·o·vi·rus·es.

1. any of various RNA-containing viruses that are similar to but larger than the myxoviruses, including the viruses that cause mumps, measles, parainfluenza, and Newcastle disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramyxovirus¹

First recorded in 1960–65; para- ¹ + myxovirus

Example Sentences

The electron microscope revealed a ringlike shape characteristic of a paramyxovirus — a family that includes measles, mumps and respiratory illnesses, but not Japanese encephalitis.

From Washington Post

It is caused by a paramyxovirus of which there is only a single serotype.

From Scientific American

In one such study, his team discovered that mumps, which like measles is caused by a paramyxovirus, had jumped to humans from bats.

From Science Magazine

Officials have confirmed a virus - paramyxovirus-1 - is the cause, The Bismarck Tribune reported.

From Washington Times

Wild animals could be used as bioterrorist weapons to spread infectious diseases such as monkeypox, which can be fatal for humans, or avian paramyxovirus, a disease carried by exotic birds that can spread to poultry.

From National Geographic