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

But Chiquitita suggests that the group's celebration during a time of growing bloodshed in Palestine goes against what ACT UP (which stands for AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power and was formed amid the AIDS crisis in the 1980s) stands for. —EW.com, 12 May 2024

Established in 2002, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (or The Global Fund) has worked as an independent, multilateral financing entity over the past 20 years to raise resources and funding to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024

The property was adapted for the stage in 1982 by book writer Howard Ashman, who died in March 1991 at the age of 40 from his HIV/AIDS positive diagnosis. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

The honor, announced Tuesday, includes the Pose star’s work with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund, among other organizations. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 May 2024

For perspective, 43 years ago AIDS was officially recognized by the CDC; the space shuttle made its first orbital flight; Charles and Diana got married. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024

In its first decade, Mama’s Day fundraising was dedicated to serving HIV and AIDS patients. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

As a result of that fight, Virk had called several boys on Cook's contact list, spreading rumors that Cook had AIDS and fake breasts, among other remarks on her appearance. —USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

In 1993, Lavoe died in Manhattan of complications from AIDS. —Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 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