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