any of a family (Parvoviridae) of very small DNA viruses affecting a wide range of vertebrates and some invertebrates, including viruses which cause acute enteritis in dogs and cats and which can be fatal to puppies and kittens
See parvovirus in American Heritage Dictionary 4
nounpl.par·vo·vi·rus·es
Any of a group of small viruses that contain DNA in an icosahedral protein shell and cause disease in many vertebrates, especially mammals such as dogs and cattle.
Origin:
Origin: Latin parvus, small; see pau-1 in Indo-European roots