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herpes

Pronunciation: /ˈhəːpiːz/

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Definition of herpes

noun

[mass noun]

any of a group of virus diseases caused by herpesviruses, affecting the skin (often with blisters) or the nervous system.

Derivatives

herpetic

Origin:

late Middle English (originally used also of other skin conditions): via Latin from Greek herpēs 'shingles', literally 'creeping', from herpein 'to creep'