HIV

noun

ˌāch-ˌī-ˈvē 

1

: either of two retroviruses (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 of the genus Lentivirus) that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system and that when left untreated cause AIDS

Note: HIV retroviruses are transmitted through contact with blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, or breast milk and typically cause flu-like symptoms during the acute phase of infection, but often cause few or no symptoms during the chronic phase of infection when treated with antiretroviral drugs.

… the longer people are infected with HIV and the more immune-deficient they become, the more readily they seem to pass HIV to others.

—Robert R. Redfield et al.

Years of careful research have proven beyond doubt that the HIV virus causes AIDS, that antiretroviral drug treatment saves lives, and that the drug nevirapine is safe and effective in preventing the spread of HIV from mothers to their babies.

—Richard Marlink et al.

called also AIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus

compare hiv-1, hiv-2

2

: the infection or disease caused by HIV

Early symptoms of HIV develop in 50 to 90 percent of people who are infected, usually beginning two to four weeks after exposure. … Because the signs and symptoms of … HIV may be similar to other common illnesses, such as mononucleosis, most people do not initially realize that they have HIV.

—Paul E. Sax

Examples of HIV in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From it, space will be created to unpack the myths and realities of Breast Cancer and HIV, centering women’s health as an essential part of holistic wellness. —Essence, 6 July 2025

His recent work has helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ Latino people access HIV prevention programs and preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a medication that reduces HIV infection risk. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 3 July 2025

The 34 workers, including Futrell, were stationed in community health providers such as Aspire Indiana Health and Bell Flower Clinic, testing for infections like HIV and Hepatitis B and educating people on substance abuse disorders and mental illness. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

One of the largest cuts would be to chronic disease prevention, the former officials noted, including tobacco prevention, HIV prevention and injury prevention, which includes drownings -- a leading cause of death in young kids. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing HIV

• anti-HIV

Kids Definition

HIV

noun

ˌāch-ˌī-ˈvē 

: any of a group of viruses that infect and destroy helper T cells causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS

Medical Definition

HIV

noun

ˌā-ˌchī-ˈvē 

1

: either of two retroviruses (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 of the genus Lentivirus) that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system and that when left untreated cause AIDS

Note: HIV retroviruses are transmitted through contact with blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, or breast milk and typically cause flu-like symptoms during the acute phase of infection, but often cause few or no symptoms during the chronic phase of infection when treated with antiretroviral drugs.

called also AIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus

compare hiv-1, hiv-2

2

: the infection or disease caused by HIV