herpes simplex

American  

[hur-peez sim-pleks] / ˈhɜr piz ˈsɪm plɛks /

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.

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herpes simplex British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of herpes simplex

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

Example Sentences

To their relief, they did not find herpes simplex 1.

From Washington Post

In the United States, bacterial infections can cause meningitis, as can enteroviruses, mumps and herpes simplex.

From New York Times

Both are part of the herpes virus family, which includes herpes simplex Types 1 and 2.

From Salon

For other viral diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, antiviral drugs can both treat patients who are ill and prevent others from becoming infected.

From Scientific American

An example of such susceptibility is provided by the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

From The Guardian

Related Words

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