coronavirus

[ kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural co·ro·na·vi·rus·es.

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

Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly identified H7N9 flu as MERS coronavirus.

From The Daily Beast

His doctors found a new virus in his respiratory secretions—a coronavirus, of the same family of viruses that causes SARS.

From The Daily Beast

And he too was subsequently found to have coronavirus—in fact the same strain as the first patient.

From The Daily Beast