cold sore

noun

: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing about or within the mouth that are caused by a herpes simplex virus and upon rupturing form crusts

called also fever blister

compare canker sore

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Online prescribing is available for birth control, ED, hair loss, high cholesterol, cold sores, and acid reflux. —Olivia Campbell, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2023

It is not recommended to use a dermaroller on areas with active acne or breakouts, keloid scarring, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, cold sores, sunburns, or any other form of damaged or infected skin. —Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Feb. 2023

Is angular cheilitis contagious? Unlike cold sores, AC is not contagious according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Isadora Baum, Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023

First, what is a cold sore, exactly? —Zahra Barnes, SELF, 3 Jan. 2022

Big, ugly cold sore got you down? —Star Tribune, 15 Nov. 2020

The characteristic cold sore caused by herpes. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2016

The cold sore will crust over and heal within one to two weeks. —Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 27 Jan. 2023

For the first few weeks of a baby’s life, anyone with an active cold sore—blood relative, presidential candidate, or both—would do well to keep away. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cold sore

noun

: a group of blisters about or within the mouth caused by a herpes virus

called also fever blister

Medical Definition

cold sore

noun

: a vesicular lesion that typically occurs in or around the mouth, that initially causes pain, burning, or itching before bursting and crusting over, and that is caused by a herpes simplex virus which remains dormant in the body and may be reactivated by a variety of factors (as stress, fever, or sunburn)

called also fever blister

compare canker sore