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

Sentebale works to support children and young people in Southern Africa, including those living with HIV/AIDS, covering healthcare, education, vocational training, climate resilience and life skills. —Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Kennedy has also challenged the causal link between HIV and AIDS despite long-standing scientific evidence establishing the connection. —Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 1 Dec. 2024

Biden highlighted the progress that’s been made under his administration in the fight against HIV/AIDS and fighting the stigma of discrimination against the HIV community. —Justin Gomez, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024

The six installations will represent the stages of processing an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 27 Nov. 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