1. a virus that causes respiratory illness in humans and animals, characterized by spike-like projections on its surface; especially, the virus that causes COVID-19
Usage: often capitalized when referring to SARS-CoV-2 specifically; commonly used in medical and public health contexts

Examples

• The coronavirus pandemic affected millions of people worldwide.
• Scientists developed vaccines to protect against coronavirus infection.
• Many countries implemented lockdowns to slow the spread of coronavirus.
• The coronavirus can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
• Healthcare workers were on the front lines fighting coronavirus.
• Testing for coronavirus became routine in many workplaces.
• The coronavirus variant spread rapidly through the population.