coronavirus-preventive
|co-ro-na-vi-rus-pre-ven-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɔrəˈnaɪrəs prɪˈvɛntɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɒrəˈnaɪrəs prɪˈvɛntɪv/
prevents coronavirus
Etymology
'coronavirus-preventive' originates from a compound of English words 'coronavirus' and 'preventive'. 'Coronavirus' itself ultimately comes from Latin elements: 'corona' (Latin) meaning 'crown' and 'virus' (Latin) meaning 'poison' or 'venom'. 'Preventive' derives from Latin 'praevenire' (via Old French/Medieval Latin), where the prefix 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'venire' meant 'to come'.
'coronavirus' was coined in English in the 20th century to name a family of viruses whose appearance suggested a 'crown' (from Latin 'corona'); 'preventive' entered English via Old French/Medieval Latin from Latin 'praeventivus'. The modern compound 'coronavirus-preventive' arose in English usage during the 2020s to describe items or measures aimed at preventing COVID-19.
Initially, the components referred separately to the virus family ('coronavirus') and the idea of prevention ('preventive'); the compound's current meaning is the straightforward combination: something that prevents coronavirus infection.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a measure, product, or action taken to prevent coronavirus infection (e.g., a vaccine, mask, sanitizer, or public-health policy).
Frequent handwashing is an important coronavirus-preventive.
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Adjective 1
intended to prevent infection by the coronavirus; designed to reduce the risk or spread of coronavirus disease.
A coronavirus-preventive vaccine can significantly lower hospitalization rates.
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Last updated: 2025/10/23 05:30