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

Even the young, modern stars of women's rugby felt the pinch of a working life when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

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In a report from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo this month, 39% of homebuilders said they had cut prices - the highest since the coronavirus pandemic.

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The Dodgers, who averaged 49,537 fans a game in 2025, have led the majors in attendance the last 12 years — excluding 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced teams to play behind closed doors.

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Stubbornly high mortgage rates - twice what she locked in at the start of the coronavirus pandemic - are not putting her off.

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In Santa Clara County, the coronavirus remains at a “high” level in the sewershed of San José and Palo Alto.

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