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Definition of herpes

herpes

/ˈhɜːr.piːz/
her · pes
Adjective:herpetic
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herpes Lexical Profile

herpes Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of a group of viral diseases caused by herpesviruses, characterized by the eruption of small, painful fluid-filled blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, especially herpes simplex (causing cold sores or genital lesions) and herpes zoster (shingles).

Example

"Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of herpes outbreaks."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for herpes

• Rhymes for herpes

• Nearby Words

heroine
heroism
heron
herpes
herpetologist
herring
herringbone

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Latin from Ancient Greek 'herpes' (shingles, a spreading skin eruption), derived from the verb 'herpein' meaning 'to creep', in reference to the way the blisters spread across the skin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Herpes. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/herpes
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