a recurrent, incurable form of herpes usually affecting the mouth, lips, or face (type one) or the genitals (type two): the genital type is a venereal disease
See herpes simplex in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A recurrent viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, type one, and marked by the eruption of fluid-containing vesicles on the mouth, lips, or face.
A recurrent viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, type two, and marked by the eruption of fluid-containing vesicles on the genitals.