: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some (such as Kaposi's sarcoma) that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (such as semen) during sexual intercourse
Examples of AIDS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The actor ultimately received a $1,000 fine, two years' summary probation and compulsory participation in an AIDS education program as his sentencing over the incident, according to The Independent.
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Tommy McArdle, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
The book has been praised for encapsulating the mode of 1980s New York, which was haunted by the AIDS epidemic and paranoia.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2024
She is also known for being an outspoken proponent of peace and for advancing legislation to address HIV/AIDS and end poverty, among other important issues.
—Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Ryder also said that Gibson quipped about getting AIDS from being around a gay friend of the actress.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for AIDS 
Tommy McArdle, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
The book has been praised for encapsulating the mode of 1980s New York, which was haunted by the AIDS epidemic and paranoia.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2024
She is also known for being an outspoken proponent of peace and for advancing legislation to address HIV/AIDS and end poverty, among other important issues.
—Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Ryder also said that Gibson quipped about getting AIDS from being around a gay friend of the actress.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for AIDS
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'AIDS.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“AIDS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AIDS. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
AIDS
noun
: a serious disease of the human immune system marked by destruction of a large proportion of the helper T cells in the body due to infection by the HIV virus commonly transmitted especially in blood and semen
Medical Definition
AIDS
noun
: a disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by a reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions (as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) and to some that become life threatening (as Kaposi's sarcoma) and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood especially during illicit intravenous drug use and in bodily secretions (as semen) during sexual intercourse
called also acquired immune deficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
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