herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs 
: any of a family (Herpesviridae) of double-stranded DNA viruses that include the cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus and the causative agents of chicken pox, herpes simplex, Marek's disease, roseola infantum, and shingles
Examples of herpesvirus in a Sentence
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Interestingly, the research found exposing brain cells harboring dormant HSV-1 to VZV led to a reactivation of the herpesvirus and a cascade of the toxic plaques known to be signs of Alzheimer’s.
—
Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
These diseases, which included adenovirus, herpesvirus, and papillomavirus, were preserved in the bones of Neanderthals.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
This is likely due to HSV’s dormancy and its ability to evade the immune system, more advanced than other herpesvirus infection, such as chickenpox and shingles, against which vaccines exist.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Exposure to viruses: Human herpesvirus 8, HHV-8, can increase the risk of a type of sarcoma called Kaposi's sarcoma.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 10 June 2024
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Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 25 Feb. 2025
These diseases, which included adenovirus, herpesvirus, and papillomavirus, were preserved in the bones of Neanderthals.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
This is likely due to HSV’s dormancy and its ability to evade the immune system, more advanced than other herpesvirus infection, such as chickenpox and shingles, against which vaccines exist.
—Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Exposure to viruses: Human herpesvirus 8, HHV-8, can increase the risk of a type of sarcoma called Kaposi's sarcoma.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 10 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for herpesvirus
Cite this Entry
“Herpesvirus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herpesvirus. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
ˌhər-(ˌ)pēz-ˈvī-rəs
: any of a group of viruses that contain DNA and cause herpes
Medical Definition
herpesvirus
noun
her·pes·vi·rus
-ˈvī-rəs
: any of a family Herpesviridae of double-stranded DNA viruses
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