anti-coronavirus
|an-ti-co-ro-na-vi-rus|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.koʊ.rəˈvaɪrəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.kɒr.əˈvaɪrəs/
against coronavirus
Etymology
'anti-coronavirus' originates from two parts: 'anti-' from Greek and 'coronavirus' from modern scientific Latin/Neo-Latin. 'anti-' (Greek 'anti') meant 'against, opposite', and 'coronavirus' combines Latin 'corona' meaning 'crown' with Latin 'virus' meaning 'poison' or 'slimy liquid (virus)'.
'anti-' derives from Greek 'anti' and entered English as a productive prefix meaning 'against' in compounds; 'coronavirus' is a modern scientific coinage (mid-20th century) formed from Latin 'corona' + 'virus' to name the virus family noted for a crown-like appearance, and the compound 'anti-coronavirus' developed as public-health and scientific language during outbreaks of coronaviruses (e.g., SARS, MERS, COVID-19).
Initially, the parts meant 'against' (anti-) and 'crown/virus' (coronavirus); together they came to mean broadly 'against coronavirus'—applied to measures, agents, or properties that oppose or counteract coronaviruses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance, device, or policy intended to prevent or treat coronavirus infection (for example, an anti-coronavirus drug, vaccine, or disinfectant).
Researchers are testing several anti-coronavirus candidates in clinical trials.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
designed to prevent, reduce, or act against infection or transmission of coronaviruses (e.g., measures, products, or policies intended to stop the coronavirus).
Anti-coronavirus measures such as masking and social distancing were implemented.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 05:08