noun

coronavirus

kuh-ROH-nuh-vy-ruhs

Quiz me More like this

Coronavirus (noun) means any member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses, which infect animals and humans and carry a single strand of RNA as their genome. Example: “Several coronaviruses cause nothing worse than the common cold.”

noun

Any member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses, which infect animals and humans and carry a single strand of RNA as their genome.

"Several coronaviruses cause nothing worse than the common cold."

"Researchers have studied coronaviruses in bats for decades."

"The lab keeps samples of a number of different coronaviruses."

SARS-CoV-2, the specific coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.

"The coronavirus spread to nearly every country within months."

"He tested positive for the coronavirus last week."

"Scientists raced to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus."

How to use coronavirus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA family of viruses named for their crown-like appearance, one of which causes COVID-19.

When to use it

In general use since 2020, coronavirus on its own is usually understood to mean SARS-CoV-2 rather than the wider virus family.

Memory tip

The main stress falls on the second syllable: kuh-ROH-nuh-vy-ruhs.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

contract the coronavirus a coronavirus outbreak coronavirus symptoms a coronavirus vaccine

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like coronavirus.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “coronavirus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Several _____ cause nothing worse than the common cold.

Etymology

The word joins corona and virus. Corona comes from the Latin corona, meaning a garland, wreath or crown, which in turn traces back to an Ancient Greek word for something curved. The name was chosen because the virus, seen under an electron microscope, has a fringe of projections that looks like the corona of light around the sun.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

corona rona

Related words

halo coronation corona rona corposant aureole

Rhymes for coronavirus

virus antivirus retrovirus

See all rhymes for coronavirus →

Frequently asked questions

What is a coronavirus?

It is a member of a family of viruses that infect animals and humans and carry their genetic material as a single strand of RNA.

Why is it called coronavirus?

Under an electron microscope the virus has a ring of surface spikes that resembles the corona, or halo of light, seen around the sun.

Is coronavirus the same as COVID-19?

Not quite: coronavirus is the family of virus, and since 2020 the word is often used specifically for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.

What is the meaning of coronavirus?

"coronavirus" (noun) means any member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses, which infect animals and humans and carry a single strand of RNA as their genome.

People also searched

halo coronation corona rona corposant aureole