any of a family (Papovaviridae) of DNA viruses, including the papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses, associated with the growth of tumors in a wide range of animals
See papovavirus in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(pə-pōˈvə-vīˌrəs)
nounpl.pa·po·va·vi·rus·es
Any of a group of DNA-containing viruses that are associated with or cause papillomas or polyomas in animals.