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

In the 2010s, a number of training events were held, simulating both flu and coronavirus outbreaks, to stress-test the UK’s preparedness.

From BBC

Hearings have begun in the public inquiry, external scrutinising the UK's response to, and impacts of, the coronavirus pandemic.

From BBC

Another way of looking at the impact coronavirus had on the number of people dying in the UK is by counting all deaths over and above the expected number since the pandemic began, sometimes referred to "excess deaths", external.

From BBC

Figures are still regularly published on the number of recorded coronavirus cases across the UK, from PCR and lateral flow tests.

From BBC

Patients were admitted to hospital with coronavirus more than 1.1 million times between March 2020 and 5 May 2023 across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

From BBC