: a lentivirus (species Human immunodeficiency virus 2) that causes AIDS especially in western Africa, is closely related in structure to SIV of monkeys, and is less virulent than HIV-1

Examples of HIV-2 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Donors must be tested for HIV-1 and HIV-2, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and more to be eligible to donate their milk, according to Amy Trotter, community relations director. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of HIV-2 was in 1986

Dictionary Entries Near HIV-2

Cite this Entry

“HIV-2.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HIV-2. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

HIV-2

noun
: a retrovirus of the genus Lentivirus (species Human immunodeficiency virus 2) that causes AIDS especially in West Africa, that is closely related in structure to SIV of monkeys and may have crossed over to humans, and that is less virulent and has a longer incubation period than HIV-1
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