coronavirus

Everyday

1. One of a family of viruses that can cause illnesses in people and animals, from a common cold to serious illnesses. Under a microscope they have spikes that look like a crown. tree →
2. (everyday) The virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic that spread around the world from 2020, and the illness it caused. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons it is an example of a virus and how germs spread through coughs, sneezes and touch; it is why we learned handwashing, masks and staying home when ill. In history it names the pandemic years with lockdowns and online school. People often say «Covid» for short.

Examples

• The coronavirus spread around the world in 2020. tree →
• Coronaviruses are named after the crown-like spikes on their surface. tree →
• During the coronavirus lockdown we had school on the computer. tree →
• Some colds are caused by a coronavirus. tree →
• Wash your hands to stop viruses like the coronavirus spreading. tree →
• Scientists made vaccines against the coronavirus. tree →
• My nan stayed home a lot while the coronavirus was spreading. tree →

Note

«Corona» is Latin for «crown». Plural «coronaviruses». COVID-19 is the illness; SARS-CoV-2 is the virus's scientific name. Antibiotics do not kill viruses; that is a common myth.