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COVID-19

COVID-19

2.8
A disease caused by a new coronavirus first seen in 2019 that spreads easily
  • noun
  • /ˈkoʊvɪd naɪnˈtiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : COVID-19
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide.

Examples

  • The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, including fever and difficulty breathing.

  • Many countries imposed travel restrictions to try to contain the spread of COVID-19.

  • Researchers are working to develop effective vaccines against COVID-19.

  • Many countries are still dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.

  • Researchers are working to develop effective vaccines against COVID-19.

  • The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, including fever and difficulty breathing.

  • Many countries imposed travel restrictions to try to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Synonyms

corona
vsCOVID-19
  • Neologism
1 4.1

A disease caused by a new virus that spread around the world in 2020

is the formal official technical name used in health contexts
coronavirus disease 2019
vsCOVID-19
  • Specialized
3.5

A serious illness first found in 2019 caused by a new virus that affects breathing and spreads worldwide

is the shorter, widely used abbreviation for that illness
4.4

A virus infection from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that affects the lungs and airways, also called COVID-19

is the common short name used globally for that disease
novel coronavirus pneumonia
vsCOVID-19
  • Specialized
3.8

A serious lung disease caused by a new coronavirus that began in 2019 and causes fever, cough, and breathing difficulty

is the broader disease term not limited to pneumonia cases
Wuhan coronavirus
vsCOVID-19
  • Specialized
3.7

A disease caused by a virus first found in Wuhan, China in 2019 that spread around the world in 2020

uses a neutral name without geographic reference
Wuhan pneumonia
vsCOVID-19
  • Archaic
5.4

A former name for COVID-19, a virus that causes lung illness

prefers a neutral medical name rather than a location label

Surface Forms

COVID-19 singular
COVID-19s plural

Etymology

COVID-19 is a short name made from the parts CO, VI, D and 19. The CO and VI come from corona, which means 'crown', and virus, D is for disease, and 19 is the year 2019, so the name tells you it is the coronavirus disease first seen in 2019.