HIV

H-I-V · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus; a virus that attacks the body's immune system and, if untreated, can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

  2. 2.

    The infection caused by this virus.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    HIV positive — having the HIV virus
  • •
    HIV negative — not having the HIV virus
  • •
    HIV/AIDS — the spectrum of conditions caused by HIV infection

Related words

See also: AIDS, immune, virus
Synonyms: human immunodeficiency virus

Etymology

Acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, coined in 1986 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. The virus was first identified in 1983.