HIV
noun
Note: HIV retroviruses are transmitted through contact with blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, or breast milk and typically cause flu-like symptoms during the acute phase of infection, but often cause few or no symptoms during the chronic phase of infection when treated with antiretroviral drugs.
Robert R. Redfield et al.Richard Marlink et al.called also AIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus
see also hiv-1, hiv-2Paul E. SaxExamples of HIV in a Sentence
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Gilead has so tightly limited access to the drug that millions of people at risk from HIV might not get it, according to Public Citizen.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
The program offers federal funding for reproductive health services provided to low-income and uninsured patients, including birth control, cancer screenings, wellness exams and HIV testing.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
The pill, dubbed MK 8527, is currently undergoing a pair of late-stage clinical trials that are expected to determine whether the medicine can lower HIV transmission when given to people at high risk of infection.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“HIV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HIV. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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HIV
nounMedical Definition
HIV
nounNote: HIV retroviruses are transmitted through contact with blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, or breast milk and typically cause flu-like symptoms during the acute phase of infection, but often cause few or no symptoms during the chronic phase of infection when treated with antiretroviral drugs.
called also AIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus
see also hiv-1, hiv-2
