herpes simplex

[hur-peez sim-pleks] / ˈhɜr piz ˈsɪm plɛks /

NOUN

canker sore

Synonyms

WEAK

canker cold sore fever blister herpes labialis lesion oral herpes

NOUN

cold sore

Synonyms

WEAK

canker canker sore fever blister herpes labialis lesion oral herpes

NOUN

sexually transmitted disease

Synonyms

STRONGEST

AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome gonorrhea herpes syphilis the clap venereal disease

WEAK

HIV SIDA STD VD chancroid chlamydia clap crab louse crabs genital herpes genital warts scabies social disease tabes dorsalis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is based on a modified herpes simplex virus that has been engineered to replicate only inside glioblastoma cells, leaving healthy tissue unaffected.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

In Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 2020, as in other military towns across the U.S., rates of sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, herpes simplex and HIV are among the highest in the country.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

It’s been associated with infections such as the herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus, as well as Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Deaths caused by HSV-1 - herpes simplex 1 - are almost unheard of in healthy people.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2023

And nearly all of the viral-disease pairings involved “neurotropic” viruses—those that can invade the central nervous system, such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster and some strains of influenza.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 19, 2023

herpes simplex

Example Sentences

Related Words