AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

For example, under the minister’s leadership, First AME initiatives transformed crack houses and shabby apartment buildings into 2,000 affordable housing units for low-income families, seniors, disabled people and people with AIDS. —Gayle Pollard-Terry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

The original play, which debuted at SCR in 1988, was about a woman who fears for the world against the backdrop of the plague of AIDS. —Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 4 Apr. 2024

Set in the 1980s and later the 1990s, the series followed members of the LGBTQ+ ballroom culture in New York City amid the rising HIV/AIDS epidemic. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Taken over by a gang from the Grand Ravine slum of the capital, the Sanatorium Hospital in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood was forced to shut down, leaving HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients with one fewer option for treatment. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2024

Our investments in things like reducing HIV and AIDS around the world not only protects our health, but actually improves our economic stability. —Rhett Buttle, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

This harm-reduction strategy is supported by leading health groups, such as the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the International AIDS Society. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024

In 2006, the clinics first addressed the high mortality rates of truckers during the AIDS epidemic. —Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2024

The actress then went on to share a heartbreaking and personal story about her late friend Jimmy, who died of AIDS. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing AIDS

• AIDS-related complex
• AIDS virus
• anti-AIDS

Kids Definition

AIDS

noun

ˈādz 

: 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

ˈādz 

: 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