: 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
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But advocacy groups and global AIDS organizations raise concerns about whether that potential will be fully realized, given recent cuts to U.S.-supported programs for HIV treatment and prevention around the world.
—
Alice Park, Time, 18 June 2025
Throughout the month of June, nationwide, there have traditionally been parades, protests, drag performances, live theater, memorials and celebrations of life for members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
—Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 17 June 2025
These free treatments include, among other things, immunizations, colorectal, breast, and other cancer screenings, and treatments to prevent people with HIV infections or those who have been exposed, from developing AIDS.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 16 June 2025
At least 160 clinical trials to study HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental health, substance abuse and chronic disease have been affected.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
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Alice Park, Time, 18 June 2025
Throughout the month of June, nationwide, there have traditionally been parades, protests, drag performances, live theater, memorials and celebrations of life for members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
—Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 17 June 2025
These free treatments include, among other things, immunizations, colorectal, breast, and other cancer screenings, and treatments to prevent people with HIV infections or those who have been exposed, from developing AIDS.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 16 June 2025
At least 160 clinical trials to study HIV/AIDS, cancer, mental health, substance abuse and chronic disease have been affected.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for AIDS
Cite this Entry
“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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