English Explanatory Dictionary

cold sore

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small bump (namely a vesicle) on the lips resulting from infection by herpes simplex viruses (mostly HHV1 but also HHV2).

Pronunciation

/ˈkoʊld ˌsɔɹ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cold sore.wav

Word forms

cold sore cold sores

Etymology

Compound of cold + sore, probably for the tendency of the vesicles to recur along with other illness, or possibly during cold weather, though this explanation is less common. Compare synonym fever blister.

Synonyms

fever blister herpes herpes simplex herpes simplex 1 herpes labialis
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