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

In its first decade, Mama’s Day fundraising was dedicated to serving HIV and AIDS patients. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

As a result of that fight, Virk had called several boys on Cook's contact list, spreading rumors that Cook had AIDS and fake breasts, among other remarks on her appearance. —USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

In 1993, Lavoe died in Manhattan of complications from AIDS. —Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Most were cancer treatment drugs, but others could have been used to treat AIDS, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other diseases. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

In 1985, when Hepburn, 45, would have been in elementary school, the Miami Herald reported Belle Glade registered the nation’s highest rate of AIDS. —Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

The match in front of 300 guests benefitted Sentebale, the organization Harry founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help children in Africa affected by poverty, inequality and HIV/AIDS. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

In India, for example, the National AIDS Control Organization took over blood transfusion responsibilities from the Ministry of Health in 1996. —Simar Bajaj, NPR, 11 Apr. 2024

For example, under the minister’s leadership, First AME initiatives transformed crack houses and shabby apartment buildings into 2,000 affordable housing units for low-income families, seniors, disabled people and people with AIDS. —Gayle Pollard-Terry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

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

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