herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks 
: either of two diseases caused by herpesviruses (species Human herpesvirus 1 and Human herpesvirus 2 of the genus Simplexvirus) and marked especially by watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, face, or genital region
Examples of herpes simplex in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
More serious complications can arise if the virus spreads to the eyes, leading to a condition called herpes simplex keratitis, which can cause blurred vision and even permanent damage if left untreated.
—
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
According to the New York State Department of Health, babies who contract HSV (herpes simplex virus) require hospitalization for up to 21 days, and the infection can still cause brain damage or even death.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Infection with yeasts, certain fungi, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also cause hangnail infections.1
Risk Factors
Certain health factors, conditions, and habits raise your risk of developing hangnail infections.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
Stress begets stress Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a highly contagious virus that is estimated to infect 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 globally.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for herpes simplex 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
According to the New York State Department of Health, babies who contract HSV (herpes simplex virus) require hospitalization for up to 21 days, and the infection can still cause brain damage or even death.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Infection with yeasts, certain fungi, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) can also cause hangnail infections.1
Risk Factors
Certain health factors, conditions, and habits raise your risk of developing hangnail infections.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
Stress begets stress Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a highly contagious virus that is estimated to infect 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 globally.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for herpes simplex
Dictionary Entries Near herpes simplex
Cite this Entry
“Herpes simplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpes%20simplex. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks
: either of two kinds of herpes marked in one case by groups of watery blisters on the skin and mucous membranes (as of the mouth and lips) above the waist and in the other by such blisters on the genitalia
Medical Definition
herpes simplex
noun
herpes sim·plex
-ˈsim-ˌpleks
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share