herpes
NounSynonyms:
herpes virus
WordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
- any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skinSynonyms: herpes virus
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Herpes \Her"pes\, n. [L., fr. Gr. "e`rphs, fr. "e`rpein to creep.] (Med.) An eruption of the skin, taking various names, according to its form, or the part affected, caused by a herpesvirus infection; especially, an eruption of vesicles in small distinct clusters, accompanied with itching or tingling, including shingles, ringworm, and the like; -- so called from its tendency to creep or spread from one part of the skin to another. [1913 Webster +PJC]