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
Joe Brandt, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Wright cites Nigeria's $200 million supplementary health budget and South Africa's decision to help cover gaps in AIDS and HIV treatment as two examples.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 19 May 2026
More people suffering from HIV/AIDS were able to procure antiretroviral therapy.
—Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
More than three-quarters of HIV patients tied to the Penobscot County outbreak received care within 30 days of diagnosis, according to Maine CDC figures.
—Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“HIV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HIV. Accessed 21 May. 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
