Herpeses

/ˈhɜrpɪsiz/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'herpes'; multiple instances or types of herpes infections or the causative viruses.

Etymology

Plural of 'herpes' (from Greek herpein, to creep), which was named for the characteristic spreading pattern of the skin eruption resembling a creeping creature.

Kelly Says

The plural 'herpeses' is rarely used because we typically say 'herpes infections' or 'herpes simplex virus types' instead, but it technically exists—medical language has its own rules about what pluralizes naturally.

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