coronavirus

[ kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural co·ro·na·vi·rus·es.

1. any of various RNA-containing spherical viruses of the family Coronaviridae, including several that cause acute respiratory illnesses.

coronavirus

/ kəˈrəʊnəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. a type of airborne virus accounting for 10-30% of all colds

Word History and Origins

Origin of coronavirus¹

First recorded in 1965–70; so called from the coronalike array of spikes projecting from the capsid

Word History and Origins

Origin of coronavirus¹

C20: so-called because of their corona-like appearance in electron micrographs

Example Sentences

An agreement on a coalition deal was reached four months later, having been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, in June 2020.

From BBC

Thomas Kwan, 53, was posing as a community nurse giving a coronavirus booster jab when he injected Patrick O'Hara, 71, with a toxin in Newcastle in January.

From BBC

On top of that, the coronavirus pandemic hit just as they started building a new extension to their home.

From BBC

He said he started drawing during the coronavirus lockdown to keep himself busy, and his artwork has attracted attention on social media from celebrities, like former Welsh football captain and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

From BBC

She was celebrated, initially, for her decisive response when she became the nation’s first big city mayor to declare a coronavirus state of emergency, followed soon after by a citywide lockdown.

From Los Angeles Times