COVID-19

Also Co·vid-19;

[koh-vid-nahyn-teen]

noun

Pathology.

1. coronavirus disease 2019: a potentially severe, primarily respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus and characterized by fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. In some people, the disease also damages major organs, as the heart or kidneys.

Spelling Note

COVID-19 (all capital letters) is the spelling used internationally by scientific and medical professionals and their related organizations, which corresponds with the American convention of capitalizing an acronym such as AIDS or SARS. However, Covid-19 (spelled like a proper noun with an initial capital letter followed by lowercase letters) is the less obtrusive form used by several prominent media, such as The New York Times and The Times of London. And it is not uncommon to see both forms shortened to just COVID or Covid, respectively. The lowercase form covid is considerably less common in edited text.

Word History and Origins

Origin of COVID-19¹

Short for co(rona)vi(rus) d(isease) (20)19, the year in which the outbreak of the disease was first identified; so named by the World Health Organization in 2020

Example Sentences

But the end of the August recess in Washington — and the oncoming flu and COVID-19 season — could return public attention to subjects that have proved politically perilous for the president this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Colorado, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania took steps this week so that people wouldn’t have to get prescriptions to get their COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy has said he wants more studies on the COVID-19 shots, which he has long claimed are harmful — even deadly.

From Los Angeles Times

Every year around this time, like clockwork, Marty Lazniarz would plan to get his regular COVID-19 vaccine — essential protection before heading out on a trip.

From Los Angeles Times

As of Thursday afternoon, neither Walgreens nor CVS were allowing adults in California under age 65 to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments unless they attested to having an underlying medical condition — such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What is COVID-19? 

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus. The disease was discovered in China in December 2019 and then spread around the world, causing an unprecedented public health crisis.For health, safety, and medical emergencies or updates on the novel coronavirus pandemic, please visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization).What are some variants of COVID-19?

• Covid-19



• covid-19



• COVID



• covid