ZIDOVUDINE

noun Also written zidovudine (Health and Fitness) The approved name of the anti-viral drug AZT, used in the management of Aids. Etymology: The first part, zido-, and the ending, -dine, are taken from the chemical name azidodeoxythymidine, but it is not clear why the syllable -vu- was added. History and Usage: The name Zidovudine has been in use since 1987, but the drug remains popularly known as AZT (see the comments at AZT). Zidovudine itself is sometimes abbreviated to ZDV. Acyclovir is already in use, in combination with Zidovudine (formerly AZT), for Aids patients. Guardian 7 July 1989, p. 3 Every week I watch AIDS patients deteriorate and waste away despite Zidovudine (ZDV) therapy. Nature 14 June 1990, p. 574