herpesvirus

[ hur-peez-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural her·pes·vi·rus·es.

1. a DNA-containing virus of the family Herpesviridae, certain members of which cause such diseases in humans as oral and genital herpes, infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox, and shingles.

herpesvirus

/ ˈhɜːpiːzˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any one of a family of DNA-containing viruses that includes the agents causing herpes, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the cytomegalovirus

Word History and Origins

Origin of herpesvirus¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from New Latin; herpes, virus

Example Sentences

The virus belongs to the herpesvirus family — a group known for instigating lifelong infections.

From Science News