Hēr'pēs, n.

(hēr'peez), n. [Lat., Gr. ἕρπης, from ἕρπειν, to creep.] (Med.) An eruption of the skin, taking various names, according to its form, or the part affected; especially, an eruption of vesicles in small distinct clusters, accompanied with itching or tingling, including shingles, ringworm, and the like. The name is given from the tendency of the eruption to creep or spread from one part of the skin to another.