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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
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
Infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is for life.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2024
There are two forms of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, both spread via skin-to-skin contact.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, literally, simple herpes
First Known Use
1907, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near herpes simplex
Cite this Entry
“Herpes simplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpes%20simplex. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on herpes simplex
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about herpes simplex
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