: 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
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.
Currently, only New Mexico has very high levels of SARS-CoV-2 in its wastewater. Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 It could be caused by a variant of an existing virus, like influenza or SARS-CoV-2. Dave Wessner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Most critically, however, as SELF has previously reported, SARS-CoV-2 is a lot more nefarious than a cold or the flu. Julia Sullivan, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024 Another big unknown is the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2024 So far, there have been no reports of human-to-human transmission of H5N1, which is far more deadly than SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2024 But after infections with viruses like SARS-CoV-2, that messed up taste in your mouth can stick around for some time. Katie Camero, SELF, 27 Nov. 2024 This includes SARS-CoV-2, which has been shown to be present in the gastrointestinal tract of infected individuals. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 The Food and Drug Administration, however, has said those expiration dates are subject to change, providing a list of the tests that have had their dates extended. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests allow people to check for SARS-CoV-2 infections without help from professionals. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

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 23 Dec. 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
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