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myxomatosis

noun
myx路​o路​ma路​to路​sis | \ mik-藢s艒-m蓹-藞t艒-s蓹s How to pronounce myxomatosis (audio) \

Definition of myxomatosis

: a condition characterized by the presence of myxomas in the body specifically : a severe virus disease of rabbits that is caused by a poxvirus (species Myxoma virus of the genus Leporipoxvirus) and transmitted by mosquitoes, biting flies, and direct contact and that has been used in the biological control of rabbits especially in Australia

Examples of myxomatosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 These rabbits never develop the skin tumors or any of the classic symptoms of myxomatosis. — Ed Yong, The Atlantic, "The Next Chapter in a Viral Arms Race," 14 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'myxomatosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of myxomatosis

1927, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for myxomatosis

myxomat-, Greco-Latin stem of myxoma + -osis, as translation of German Myxomkrankheit

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More Definitions for myxomatosis

myxomatosis

noun
myx路​o路​ma路​to路​sis | \ mik-藢s艒-m蓹-藞t艒-s蓹s How to pronounce myxomatosis (audio) \
plural myxomatoses\ -​藢s膿z How to pronounce myxomatoses (audio) \

Medical Definition of myxomatosis

: a condition characterized by the presence of myxomas in the body specifically : a severe virus disease of rabbits that is caused by a poxvirus (species Myxoma virus of the genus Leporipoxvirus), is transmitted by mosquitoes, biting flies, and direct contact, and has been used in the biological control of wild rabbit populations

More from Merriam-Webster on myxomatosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about myxomatosis

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