ABSTRACT
The terminology associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues expanding in proportion to the proliferation of information currently available regarding the epidemic. In addition to existing terms, the pandemic has created its own vernacular. This work seeks to detail generally accepted meanings for the various words and phrases found in discussions of the interdisciplinary aspects of the pandemic. AIDS and HIV include medical, legal, social, psychological, and religious issues. Individuals from most socioeconomic backgrounds and organizations operating at the local, state, national, and international levels have been involved in the fight to stop the spread of the disease. As the epidemic continues to grow, it is expected that the complex nature of the verbiage associated with it will be further complicated.
