: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19

Examples of SARS-CoV-2 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But tests for influenza A, B, and SARS-CoV-2, which could be responsible for these symptoms, reportedly came back negative. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 Epidemiological and genetic studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 first spilled over to humans from wild animals sold in the Huanan live animal market in Wuhan, China. Bradley J. Cardinale, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025 Back in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, scientists at Pfizer revealed the development of a novel antiviral molecule, designed to hinder the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate. Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 18 Mar. 2025 As the SARS-CoV-2 virus quickly spread around the globe, weaknesses in the world's ability to respond to an infectious disease outbreak became apparent – from an inability to get critical medical supplies to those in need to limits on tracking the disease. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 Other viruses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, are also common during winter. Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025 There are two theories about where the virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, originated. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025 As long as SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread, everyone is at risk of long Covid, Cohen said — and right now, evidence shows that recovery from the condition is rare. Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 The SARS-CoV-2 virus was already spreading around the world — and changing the world: health, science and society. CNN, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2020, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SARS-CoV-2 was in 2020

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Cite this Entry

“SARS-CoV-2.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS-CoV-2. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

SARS-CoV-2

noun
: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19 see delta variant, omicron variant
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