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
An artist's impression of the herpes simplex virus.
—
Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
New research sheds light on the potential connection between herpes simplex 1 and the neurological condition.
—Julia Ries, Health, 31 May 2025
In the 1980s a number of studies pointed to associations between the onset of Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex viral infections, but exactly how this very common virus could be influencing neurodegeneration was not clear.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for herpes simplex
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Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
New research sheds light on the potential connection between herpes simplex 1 and the neurological condition.
—Julia Ries, Health, 31 May 2025
In the 1980s a number of studies pointed to associations between the onset of Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex viral infections, but exactly how this very common virus could be influencing neurodegeneration was not clear.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for herpes simplex
Cite this Entry
“Herpes simplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpes%20simplex. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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
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