coronavirus

[ˌkoʊ.rə.naʊ.vaɪ.rəs]
nounmasculinepl: coronaviruses / coronavírus
coronavírus
1. A large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, characterized by spike-like projections on their surface
The coronavirus outbreak spread rapidly across the globe in 2020.
O surto de coronavírus se espalhou rapidamente por todo o mundo em 2020.
2. Specifically, the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
Millions of people were infected with the coronavirus during the pandemic.
Milhões de pessoas foram infectadas pelo coronavírus durante a pandemia.
The term 'coronavirus' became ubiquitous globally after the 2019-2020 pandemic. In Brazil, it's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, with 'coronavírus' being the standard Portuguese term. The shortened 'rona or 'corona' is frequently used in informal speech among younger Brazilians and in social media. The word has become deeply embedded in cultural discourse, affecting health policy, economy, and daily life discussions in both Brazilian and American societies.
NYC Slang
'rona or corona (informal shortened version)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2viruspathogen

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
coronavírus
Standard term used across all regions of Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
coronavírus / 'rona (informal)
Colloquial abbreviation 'rona is commonly used among younger speakers
São Paulo
coronavírus
Standard usage, sometimes abbreviated as 'corona' in casual speech
Portugal
coronavírus
Same term used, though COVID-19 is preferred in formal medical contexts

Related Words

pandemicvaccinequarantineepidemicinfectiontransmission

Related Idioms & Phrases

to catch/contract the coronavirus
to test positive for coronavirus
coronavirus restrictions
coronavirus variants
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