COVID-19 Glossary
These Vocabulary Words will be used.
Each word is provided with its syllables, pronunciation, part of speech, definition, examples, synonyms, and antonyms.
Asymptomatic (a-sim-tuh-mat-ik) (adjective)
A person who is infected with a disease but does not show any symptoms.
Example: An asymptomatic person with COVID-19 may unknowingly spread the virus to others.
Carrier (kar-yer) (noun)
A person who is infected with a disease and can spread it to others, even if they do not show symptoms themselves.
Example: A person with COVID-19 who is not showing symptoms can still be a carrier and spread the virus to others.
Carry (kar-ee) (verb)
The ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one person to another.
Example: The flu virus can be carried through respiratory droplets.
Spread (spred) (verb)
The act of a pathogen being transmitted from one person to another.
Example: The coronavirus is spreading rapidly around the world.
Contagious (kon-tay-jus) (adjective)
Describing a disease that is easily spread from person to person.
Example: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease.
Coronavirus (kor-uh-nuh-vy-rus) (noun)
A type of virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals.
Example: SARS-CoV-2 is the specific coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 (kuhv-id nineteen) (noun)
An infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Example: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected people worldwide.
Diagnose (dahy-uh-g-nohs) (verb)
To determine the cause of a disease or condition by examining symptoms and medical history.
Example: A doctor may diagnose a patient with COVID-19 by conducting a PCR test.
Diagnosis (dahy-uhg-noh-sis) (noun)
The process of determining the cause of a disease or condition.
Example: A patient's diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by a positive PCR test.
Disease (diz-eez) (noun)
An abnormal condition that affects the body or mind, and can result in symptoms or illness.
Example: COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease.
Droplets (drop-lets) (noun)
Small droplets of liquid that can be expelled from the mouth or nose, and can carry pathogens.
Example: Respiratory droplets can spread COVID-19 from person to person.
Epidemic (ep-uh-dem-ik) (noun)
A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific area.
Example: The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global epidemic.
Immunity (im-yoo-nuh-tee) (noun)
The ability of the body to resist infection or disease.
Example: A person who has recovered from COVID-19 may have immunity to the virus.
Incubation (in-kyoo-bey-shun) (noun)
The period of time between when a person is exposed to a pathogen and when they start showing symptoms of the disease.
Example: The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically between 2-14 days.
Infection (in-fek-shun) (noun)
The invasion of the body by a pathogen, which can cause illness.
Example: A person can become infected with COVID-19 by coming into contact with the virus.
Isolate (ahy-suh-leyt) (verb)
To separate a person or group of people from others in order to prevent the spread of disease.
Example: People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are advised to isolate themselves to prevent spreading the virus.
Mask (mask) (noun)
A device worn over the mouth and nose to prevent the spread of droplets and pathogens.
Example: Wearing a mask is an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Outbreak (out-breyk) (noun)
A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease in a specific area.
Example: An outbreak of COVID-19 in a nursing home can be particularly dangerous.
Pandemic (pan-dem-ik) (noun)
An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
Example: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people worldwide.
Pathogen (path-uh-jen) (noun)
A microorganism that can cause disease.
Example: SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen that causes COVID-19.
PCR (p-c-r) (noun)
A diagnostic test that can detect the genetic material of a pathogen in a sample of body fluid or tissue.
Example: A positive PCR test is used to diagnose COVID-19.
Quarantine (kwawr-uhn-teen) (noun)
The isolation of a person or group of people who have been exposed to a disease to prevent the spread of the disease.
Example: People who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 may be placed in quarantine.
Treatment (tree-tmnt) (noun)
The management and care of a patient with a disease or condition.
Example: Treatment for COVID-19 may include antiviral medication and oxygen therapy.
Vaccine (vak-seen) (noun)
A substance that is introduced into the body to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity to a specific disease.
Example: A COVID-19 vaccine is available to help protect people from the virus.
Viral (vahy-rul) (adjective)
Relating to or caused by a virus.
Example: COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.