AIDS

noun

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for AIDS 

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of AIDS was in 1982

Cite this Entry

“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 22 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

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