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 sore

Examples of cold sore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Herpes: Painful blisters around the mouth or genitals from herpes may benefit from cool compresses, cold sore creams, or lidocaine for relief. —Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024

In addition, McGill recommends patients who experience cold sores to take Valtrex in advance of treatments. —Emily Burns, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024

When a cold sore develops, the lesions are highly infectious. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024

In her two years of life she’s spent quite a bit of time at the vet, for eye infections and painful cold sores, among other things. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

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 sore