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: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some (such as Kaposi's sarcoma) that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (such as semen) during sexual intercourse
Examples of AIDS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The feature documentary is said to examine the enduring impact of the AIDS epidemic on the theater industry, featuring more than 150 interviews with trailblazers and current theater stars.
—Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Dec. 2024
Reclaiming Theater in the Age of AIDS, examines the impact the AIDS epidemic had on the theater industry, featuring more than 150 interviews with trailblazers and theater stars.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
The building was then purchased by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation last year, with the purpose of converting it into affordable housing.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
The building was purchased by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2023, with that nonprofit planning on transforming it into affordable housing.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
First Known Use
1982, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing AIDS
Dictionary Entries Near AIDS
Cite this Entry
“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
AIDS
noun
: a serious disease of the human immune system marked by destruction of a large proportion of the helper T cells in the body due to infection by the HIV virus commonly transmitted especially in blood and semen
Medical Definition
AIDS
noun
: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by a reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some that become life threatening (as Kaposi's sarcoma) and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (as semen) during sexual intercourse
called also acquired immune deficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
More from Merriam-Webster on AIDS
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about AIDS
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