AIDS Definition
ādz
noun
A severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune response that is manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers, especially Kaposi's sarcoma. It is transmitted primarily by exposure to infected body fluids, especially blood and semen.
American Heritage
A condition in which an acquired deficiency of certain leukocytes, esp. T cells, results in a variety of infections, some forms of cancer, and the degeneration of the nervous system: caused by an HIV virus which infects T cells and is transmitted via bodily fluids, esp. sexual secretions and blood.
Webster's New World
A severe immunological disorder caused by the retrovirus HIV, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immunity that is manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers, especially Kaposi's sarcoma. It is transmitted primarily by exposure to infected body fluids, especially blood and semen.
American Heritage Medicine
(pathology, acronym) Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Both gays and heteros can acquire AIDS.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- abettors
- attendants
- helpers
- relievers
- helps
- aides
- lieutenants
- deputies
- handouts
- reliefs
- welfares
- doles
- acquired-immune-deficiency-syndrome
- care
- attentions
Antonyms:
- hindrances
- blockages
- obstructions
- impediments
- injuries
- obstacles
- barriers
abbreviation
Alternative capitalization of AIDS. acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Wiktionary
Origin of AIDS
a(cquired) i(mmune) d(eficiency) s(yndrome)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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