: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus (species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related virus of the genus Betacoronavirus), is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (such as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia

called also severe acute respiratory syndrome

see sars-cov

Examples of SARS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In contrast, the CFR of Covid-19 has been estimated to be about 1%, whereas the CFR of the 2002-2004 SARS outbreak was approximately 10%. Dave Wessner, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 The decrease is primarily due to lower sales of Sofia SARS Antigen assays and the wind-down of the U.S. donor screening business. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 It can also be used to treat viral hemorrhagic fevers and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Addy Bink, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024 In 2003, the SARS threat triggered broad discussions of the risks of overconcentration, the importance of contingency planning, and the value of supply chain diversification. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 2 July 2024 Up to 75 percent of new and emerging infectious diseases, like SARS, mpox, Ebola and likely COVID, are caused by spillovers from animals. Lawrence O. Gostin, Scientific American, 19 June 2024 On Call, out today, chronicles Fauci’s life and upbringing, as well as his role in researching HIV and bringing AIDS into sympathetic public view, his leadership in navigating the Ebola, SARS, West Nile, and anthrax crises, and his work during Covid. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2024 Moss’ proposal did not technically violate federal gain-of-function regulations, because the ban only pertained to SARS, MERS, and influenza viruses at the time. Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 11 June 2024 Since 2000, the world has experienced 15 novel Ebola epidemics, the global spread of a 1918-like influenza strain and major outbreaks of three new and unusually deadly coronavirus infections: SARS, MERS and, of course, COVID-19. Ron Barrett, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

severe acute respiratory syndrome

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SARS was in 2003

Dictionary Entries Near SARS

Cite this Entry

“SARS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

SARS

noun
ˈsärz
: a severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus, is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and usually pneumonia
Etymology

severe acute respiratory syndrome

Medical Definition

SARS

noun
: a severe respiratory illness that is transmitted especially by contact with infectious material (as respiratory droplets or body fluids), is caused by a coronavirus (species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus of the genus Betacoronavirus), and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia, and usually pneumonia

called also severe acute respiratory syndrome

see sars-cov

More from Merriam-Webster on SARS

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