: 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-covExamples of SARS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Hotez has led or is currently leading development of vaccines for hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS.
—Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
Set against the backdrop of the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in 2003, the story will capture the essence of Hong Kong’s resilience during the crisis, portraying it as a love letter to the city’s spirit.
—Caroline Brew, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024
Concerns of an outbreak were aroused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and 2003.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
At the time, the city was still reeling from the effects of the SARS epidemic, whose spread many in Hong Kong blamed on the mainland’s secrecy and official cover-ups.
—Timothy McLaughlin, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024
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
Hotez has led or is currently leading development of vaccines for hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS.
—Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
Set against the backdrop of the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in 2003, the story will capture the essence of Hong Kong’s resilience during the crisis, portraying it as a love letter to the city’s spirit.
—Caroline Brew, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024
Concerns of an outbreak were aroused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and 2003.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
At the time, the city was still reeling from the effects of the SARS epidemic, whose spread many in Hong Kong blamed on the mainland’s secrecy and official cover-ups.
—Timothy McLaughlin, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“SARS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SARS. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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