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

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpes simplex¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpes simplex¹

New Latin: simple herpes

Related Words

• acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• AIDS
• gonorrhea
• herpes
• syphilis
• the clap
• venereal disease