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cold sore
noun
: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts
called also fever blister
compare canker soreExamples of cold sore in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rarer side effects include blisters, a herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreak, infections, scarring, and skin lightening or darkening.
—Laura Schober, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
Around the mouth, these are often known as cold sores, or genital ulcer disease when around the genitals.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
As a supplement, lysine is most commonly recommended to prevent herpes outbreaks and especially cold sores, says Dr. Denise Millstine, a women's health specialist and director of the Mayo Clinic integrative medicine clinic in Arizona.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024
Amelia first noticed her cold sore on October 14, three days after feeling small bumps on her lips.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near cold sore
Cite this Entry
“Cold sore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20sore. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
cold sore
noun
: a group of blisters about or within the mouth caused by a herpes virus
called also fever blister
Medical Definition
cold sore
noun
: a vesicular lesion that typically occurs in or around the mouth, that initially causes pain, burning, or itching before bursting and crusting over, and that is caused by a herpes simplex virus which remains dormant in the body and may be reactivated by a variety of factors (as stress, fever, or sunburn)
called also fever blister
compare canker soreMore from Merriam-Webster on cold sore
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cold sore
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