: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19

Examples of SARS-CoV-2 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The surge in nursing home cases and deaths in the spring of 2020 made clear that nursing home residents were especially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Julie K. Taitsman and Nancy Harrison, STAT, 24 May 2024 Share [Findings] Convalescent plasma helps Syrian hamsters fight SARS-CoV-2. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024 In addition to influenza A and B, the CDC is also currently monitoring the nation’s sewage for SARS-CoV-2, mpox, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Megan Molteni and Helen Branswell, STAT, 13 May 2024 But wastewater surveillance — the testing of sewage for signs of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, poliovirus and mpox virus — has yet to be employed in the tracking of H5N1 bird flu virus. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024 Scientists estimate that by early March 2020, less than 1% of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. were detected by testing. Michael Mina, TIME, 9 May 2024 Recombinant vaccines use a small piece of genetic material from a pathogen (infectious organism), like SARS-CoV-2, to trigger an immune response. Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024 In addition to skincare applications, hypochlorous acid is used in hospital settings for wound care and as a disinfectant that can destroy bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Shannon M. Bauer, Health, 3 May 2024 Teas were then incubated with SARS-CoV-2 and assessed after five minutes. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 2 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'SARS-CoV-2.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

2020, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SARS-CoV-2 was in 2020

Dictionary Entries Near SARS-CoV-2

Cite this Entry

“SARS-CoV-2.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS-CoV-2. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Medical Definition

SARS-CoV-2

noun
: the coronavirus (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus) that is the causative agent of COVID-19 see delta variant, omicron variant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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