simplex

[ sim-pleks ]

adjective

1. simple; consisting of or characterized by a single element.
2. pertaining to or noting a telecommunications system permitting communication in only one direction at a time.

noun

, plural sim·plex·es, sim·pli·ces [sim, -pl, uh, -sees].

1. Mathematics. a basic geometric element in a Euclidean space, being a line segment in one dimension, a triangle in two dimensions, a tetrahedron in three dimensions, and so on: used in topology and linear programming.
2. an apartment having all the rooms on one floor.

simplex

/ ˈsɪmplɛks /

adjective

1. permitting the transmission of signals in only one direction in a radio circuit, etc Compare duplex

noun

1. linguistics a simple not a compound word
2. geometry the most elementary geometric figure in Euclidean space of a given dimension; a line segment in one-dimensional space or a triangle in two-dimensional space

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplex¹

1585–95; < Latin: having a single layer, literally, one-fold, equivalent to sim-, base meaning “one” (akin to similis similar, Greek hén (neuter) one, homós same ( homo- ), English same ) + -plex -plex

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplex¹

C16: from Latin: simple, literally: one-fold, from sim- one + plex, from plicāre to fold; compare duplex

Example Sentences

It’s been associated with infections such as the herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus, as well as Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders.

From Seattle Times

The herpes simplex virus is very common and up to 80 percent of Swedish adults may be infected.

From Science Daily

The viruses—usually benign varieties such as the herpes simplex viruses and adenoviruses that are often modified to make them safer and more potent—can reproduce in tumor cells but not in healthy cells.

From Science Magazine

They didn’t have herpes simplex infection, a dangerous but treatable cause of encephalitis, or HIV, which can cause similar symptoms.

From Science Magazine

Deaths caused by HSV-1 - herpes simplex 1 - are almost unheard of in healthy people.

From BBC

Related Words

• elemental
• fundamental
• rudimentary
• straightforward
• underlying