Herpetic

/hərˈpɛtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or resembling herpes, a viral infection that causes blistering on the skin.

Etymology

From Greek 'herpes' (literally 'creeping') combined with the suffix '-ic.' The disease was named because the sores appear to spread or 'creep' across the skin's surface.

Kelly Says

The term 'herpes' comes directly from the Greek word for creeping, because ancient doctors literally watched these blisters spread across the skin like something was crawling underneath!

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