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

Show Racism the Red Card also called out viral social media posts linking Asian players to the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.

From BBC

Due to its prime location and natural beauty, it has become a popular spot for families, visitors and tourists alike - particularly since the coronavirus pandemic with less people travelling abroad.

From BBC

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