HIV-2

noun

ˌāch-ˌī-ˈvē-ˈtü

: a retrovirus (Lentivirus humimdef2) that is mainly present in western Africa, is closely related in structure to SIV of monkeys, and is less virulent and has a longer incubation period than HIV-1

Examples of HIV-2 in a Sentence

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Donors must be tested for HIV-1 and HIV-2, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and more to be eligible to donate their milk, according to Amy Trotter, community relations director. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of HIV-2 was in 1986

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HIV-1

HIV-2

hive

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“HIV-2.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HIV-2. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

HIV-2

noun

-ˈtü

: a retrovirus (Lentivirus humimdef2) that is mainly present in West Africa, that is closely related in structure to SIV of monkeys and may have crossed over to humans, and that is less virulent and has a longer incubation period than HIV-1

HIV-2

noun

Examples of HIV-2 in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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