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View synonyms for herpes simplex

herpes simplex

[ hur-peez sim-pleks ]

noun

  1. either of two herpes diseases caused by a herpesvirus that infects humans and some other animals and produces small, transient blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, one type of virus herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1 usually associated with oral herpes but also causing genital herpes and the other herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2 usually causing genital herpes.


herpes simplex

/ ˈsɪmplɛks /

noun

  1. an acute viral disease characterized by formation of clusters of watery blisters, esp on the margins of the lips and nostrils or on the genitals. It can be sexually transmitted and may recur fitfully
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of herpes simplex1

First recorded in 1905–10; from New Latin: literally, “simple herpes”
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpes simplex1

New Latin: simple herpes

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