Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known for causing respiratory illnesses in humans. They get their name from their crown-like appearance under electron microscopy.
Related terms
SARS-CoV-2: This is the specific coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): MERS is another coronavirus that caused outbreaks in the Middle East in 2012 and has a high fatality rate.
Zoonotic Diseases: These are diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, such as coronaviruses.