coronavirus

[kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs]

noun

plural

coronaviruses 

1. any of various RNA-containing spherical viruses of the family Coronaviridae, including several that cause acute respiratory illnesses.

coronavirus

/ kəˈrəʊnəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. a type of airborne virus accounting for 10-30% of all colds

Word History and Origins

Origin of coronavirus¹

First recorded in 1965–70; so called from the coronalike array of spikes projecting from the capsid

Word History and Origins

Origin of coronavirus¹

C20: so-called because of their corona-like appearance in electron micrographs

Example Sentences

The rate at which coronavirus lab tests are coming back positive also continues to climb.

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t know how I managed to beat COVID-19 for so long, even as family, friends and colleagues got hit with the coronavirus.

From Los Angeles Times

However, she does not particularly blame the foreigners who have flocked to Mexico in their droves, particularly around the coronavirus pandemic.

From BBC

By many measures, the coronavirus is a thing of the past.

From Los Angeles Times

Public health departments in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties have reported jumps in the coronavirus concentrations detected in wastewater in recent weeks.

From Los Angeles Times