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

After conducting a study, researchers at Tuft's University and Oxford University now believe this is because blows to the head might awaken the normally dormant herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in the brain. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025

There is no cure for herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).6 The virus periodically becomes active and produces cold sores but usually remains inactive in your nerve cells.1 Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication for cold sores, such as Valtrex (valacyclovir). —Heidi Cope, Health, 21 Dec. 2024

The often painful blister usually appears around the lips or mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 20 Dec. 2024

And then there's the fact that there are two types of herpes simplex virus that cause genital herpes – HSV-1 and HSV-2. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 18 Dec. 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