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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
Opponents say Proposition 34’s purpose is to punish AIDS Healthcare Foundation for advocating for lower rents and other concepts opposed by the real estate industry.
—Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
The lawsuit says in early 2022, acting NIH Director Tabak hired Eisinger, a virologist who had previously worked for 25 years in NIH’s Office of AIDS Research (OAR), in a senior position that reported to Tabak.
—Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 4 Nov. 2024
His causes included fighting HIV and AIDS, educating children, and providing for the poor around the world.
—Hillel Italie, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
It's suggested that donations in Creel's memory be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 4 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2024.
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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