Herpes (noun)

1. A viral infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can affect the skin and mucous membranes.
2. A recurrent infection that is characterized by painful sores on or around the lips, genitals, or anus.

Origin:

From the greek word "herpēs" which means "creeping" or "spreading".

Examples:

1. She had a herpes outbreak on her lip and had to avoid kissing anyone for a week.
2. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause painful sores.
3. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
4. Herpes simplex encephalitis is a serious condition that can lead to brain damage.
5. The herpes virus can lay dormant in the body for months or even years before causing an outbreak.