Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of virus: "herpes virus" refers to any member of a large family of DNA viruses that can establish latent, lifelong infections in their hosts.
   • Causative agent of blistering sores: It specifically denotes those animal viruses known to cause painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores on the skin and mucous membranes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The herpes virus remains dormant in the body's nerve cells after the initial infection.
  • A common example of a herpes virus is the one responsible for chickenpox and shingles.
  • There is no cure that can completely eliminate a herpes virus from the body.

Advanced Usage

• "herpes virus infection": Refers to the state of being infected by such a virus.
  • The patient was treated for a recurrent herpes virus infection.
• "herpes virus family": Refers to the taxonomic group .
  • The herpes virus family includes pathogens affecting humans and many other animals.

Variants and Related Words

• Herpesviridae (n): The scientific family name for all herpes viruses.
• Herpes simplex virus (n): A specific type of herpes virus causing oral or genital sores.
• Varicella-zoster virus (n): A specific type of herpes virus causing chickenpox and shingles.

Synonyms

• Herpesviridae (when used to refer to the virus family collectively).
• DNA virus (a broader category; herpes viruses are a specific type of DNA virus).

Related Phrases

• Latent infection: A state where the herpes virus is present but not actively causing symptoms, a key characteristic of these viruses.
  • The ability to establish a latent infection is a hallmark of the herpes virus.
• Viral shedding: The period when the virus is active and can be transmitted to others, even without visible sores.
  • Viral shedding can occur even when no blisters from the herpes virus are present.

Noun

1. any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin