AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

Prince William has taken inspiration in his work to help the homeless, while Prince Harry has carried her torch in supporting those affected by AIDS and retraced her steps through Angolan minefields with The HALO Trust. —Simon Perry, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025

In the early 2000s Swaziland, by many estimates, had the highest rate of AIDS infection in the world by percentage of population. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2025

Centuries later, one of their descendants faces a similar scenario: the AIDS pandemic in Spain. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025

Taylor also used much of her wealth to promote causes dear to her, particularly as one of the first outspoken advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. —Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing AIDS

• AIDS-related complex
• AIDS virus
• anti-AIDS

Rhymes for AIDS

• aides
• blades
• braids
• cades
• fades
• glades
• grades
• jades
• maids
• nsaids
• raids
• shades

Kids Definition

AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

ˈādz 

: 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