herpes simplex

noun

herpes sim·​plex -ˈsim-ˌpleks 

: either of two diseases caused by herpesviruses (species Human herpesvirus 1 and Human herpesvirus 2 of the genus Simplexvirus) and marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region

Examples of herpes simplex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Infection with yeasts, certain fungi, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also cause hangnail infections.1 Risk Factors Certain health factors, conditions, and habits raise your risk of developing hangnail infections. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024

Stress begets stress Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a highly contagious virus that is estimated to infect 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 globally. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024

The fatty acids extracted from cod liver oil have been shown to cause a significant reduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) activity on the skin. —Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024

Blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth from a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, simple herpes

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

herpes simplex

noun

herpes sim·​plex -ˈsim-ˌpleks 

: either of two kinds of herpes marked in one case by groups of watery blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth and lips) above the waist and in the other by such blisters on the genitalia

Medical Definition

herpes simplex

noun

herpes sim·​plex -ˈsim-ˌpleks 

: either of two viral diseases caused by herpesviruses of the genus Simplexvirus that are marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region see hsv-1, hsv-2