AIDS
UK[eɪdz]US[eɪdz]
n
A serious disease, caused by a virus (HIV), that destroys the body's natural protection from infection and can cause death.
n
The virus (HIV) that causes this disease.
Etymology
The term AIDS is a modern medical acronym, coined in the early 1980s from the phrase "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome." Each component of the acronym precisely describes the condition: 'Acquired' indicates it is not inherited, 'Immune Deficiency' refers to the breakdown of the body's defense system, and 'Syndrome' denotes a collection of specific symptoms. The acronym quickly became lexicalized, evolving from a technical abbreviation into a common noun used to refer to both the disease and the virus that causes it. Its formation follows the modern pattern of creating pronounceable words from initial letters to efficiently name complex scientific concepts.
Analysis
This is an acronym, not a word formed from classical morphemes. It stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome."
Examples
The charity raises money for AIDS research.
He was diagnosed with AIDS in the late 1990s.
Public health campaigns have increased awareness about HIV/AIDS.