n :  any of a group of DNA-containing viruses (as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, or varicella zoster) that replicate in the nuclei of cells and include the causative agents of a number of diseases (as herpes simplex, chicken pox, and shingles) characterized esp. by blisters or vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes and often by recurrence sometimes after a long period of latency .
 
 
 
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