/herr"peez/ , n. Pathol.
1. any of several diseases caused by herpesvirus, characterized by eruption of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. Cf. chickenpox, genital herpes, oral herpes, shingles .
2. herpesvirus.
[ 1375-1425; late ME hérpes, lit., a creeping (akin to hérpein to creep, spread); c. L serpens SERPENT ]