shingles

Definition

Herpes zoster, caused by Human herpes virus 3, in genus Varicellovirus.

Etymology

From Latin cingulus, variant of cingulum (“girdle”), translating Ancient Greek ζώνη (zṓnē), ζωστήρ (zōstḗr).

Example Sentences

• "From the description, Letha felt sure Jane had herpes zoster, or shingles, which often strikes cancer patients or others with depressed immune systems. Jane spent another week in the Bubble, treated with acyclovir."