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Glite Dictionary
herpes simplex 2

herpes simplex 2

3.8
A virus that causes herpes in the genital area and spreads during sex
  • noun
  • /ˈhɜrpiːz ˈsɪmplɛks tuː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : herpes simple tipo 2
  • The doctor explained that herpes simplex 2 is a common sexually transmitted infection.

Examples

  • Many people are unaware that they carry herpes simplex 2, which can be transmitted through sexual contact.

  • Most genital herpes cases are caused by herpes simplex 2 rather than type 1.

  • Antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks of herpes simplex 2.

  • Many people are infected with herpes simplex 2 without knowing it.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with herpes simplex 2.

  • The doctor explained that herpes simplex 2 is a common virus that causes genital herpes.

  • Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms related to herpes simplex 2 outbreaks.

Synonyms

HSV-2
vsherpes simplex 2
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A virus that usually causes genital herpes

is written as a full descriptive phrase rather than as a short label
HS2
vsherpes simplex 2
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A virus that commonly causes genital herpes

is written as a full descriptive phrase rather than as a short label
HSV-II
vsherpes simplex 2
  • Specialized
8.6

A virus that usually causes sores on the genitals

is written as a full descriptive phrase rather than as a short label

Surface Forms

herpes simplex 2 singular
herpes simplex 2s plural

Morphology

herpes + simplex + 2

The phrase is compositionally understandable as a specific subtype of herpes (herpes + 2 = 'herpes type 2'), so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it names a particular herpes virus. However, the clinical implications (that it typically causes genital infection and is sexually transmitted) and the specialized use of 'simplex' in medical taxonomy are not fully derivable from the parts, making the term only partially transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Herpes simplex 2 comes from older words: herpes comes from a Greek word meaning 'to creep' because the skin sores can seem to move or spread, simplex means 'simple' to mark this kind, and the 2 shows it is the second type. So, the name describes the virus type that commonly causes genital herpes.