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
compare hiv-1, hiv-2Paul E. SaxExamples of HIV in a Sentence
Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
The nonprofit group was started in 1991, near the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when a group of friends brought a tray of lasagna to a neighbor who was suffering and isolated.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Noting how a rainbow flag, pink bow and a red bow are signs of LGBTQ rights, breast cancer awareness, and HIV/AIDS, respectively, Norton said there is no symbol that is associated with mental health awareness.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Authorities have also explored criminal liability based on the defendant knowingly exposing his victims to HIV.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“HIV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HIV. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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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
compare hiv-1, hiv-2
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