SARS

noun

ˈsärz 

: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia

called also severe acute respiratory syndrome

Examples of SARS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The leading hypothesis centers on the idea that SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus, originated in animals then emerged humans following an event related to zoonotic spillover. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026

As more children are exposed to the virus and associated immunizations and antibodies, the population's immunity and ability to fight off serious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 should continue to grow until fewer breakthrough infections occur. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

This included funds provided to a Chinese lab in Wuhan, where SARS-like viruses could be genetically modified. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Along with finding treatments for a host of other serious diseases, Fauci was instrumental in making strides to fight AIDS, Ebola, MERS, SARS, swine flu, and in developing drugs to counteract bioterrorism after 9/11. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

severe acute respiratory syndrome

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing SARS

• SARS-CoV

Rhymes for SARS

• ares
• bars
• cars
• chars
• czars
• gars
• jars
• lars
• mars
• pars
• scars
• spars

Kids Definition

SARS

noun

ˈsärz 

: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and usually pneumonia

Etymology

severe acute respiratory syndrome

Medical Definition

SARS

noun

ˈsärz 

: a severe respiratory illness that is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia

called also severe acute respiratory syndrome