parainfluenza

[ par-uh-in-floo-en-zuh ]

noun

, Pathology, Veterinary Pathology.

1. an influenzalike respiratory infection of animals and humans, caused by any of several paramyxoviruses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parainfluenza¹

First recorded in 1955–60; para- ¹ + influenza

Example Sentences

The parainfluenzas, the adenoviruses, RSV — these sorts of viruses are more likely to circulate than influenza.

From Science News