coronavirus

American  

[kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs] / kəˈroʊ nəˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

coronaviruses

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

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coronavirus British  

/ kəˈrəʊnəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of coronavirus

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

Compare meaning

How does coronavirus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bubonic plague vs. coronavirus

Example Sentences

Jennifer previously held positions on the Journal’s U.S. news team, where she reported daily on the coronavirus pandemic and served as a K-12 education reporter.

From The Wall Street Journal

An ex-politician accused of running a bogus coronavirus testing firm has told a court he "never said we were absolutely bob-on" in its operation.

From BBC

The increase signals a rebound from declines in life expectancy during the coronavirus pandemic and progress in combating the opioid crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

The receptionist and artist first started creating models of well-known stars during the coronavirus pandemic, starting with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

From BBC

He said the idea was formed during the coronavirus pandemic when the trust was delivering food to vulnerable people.

From BBC