zoster

noun

zos·​ter ˈzä-stər How to pronounce zoster (audio)

Examples of zoster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those who did get vaccinated received what’s known as a live zoster vaccine, an older option that contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 May 2025 Shingles is a rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 The link between the zoster vaccine and a lower dementia risk has been strengthened in new research. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Suppressing the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus reduces dementia onset. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zoster

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin zōstēr, borrowed from Greek zōstḗr "belt, girdle, shingles," from zōs-, base of zṓnnȳmi, aorist ézōsa "(I) gird(ed)" + -tēr, suffix of instruments — more at zone entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoster was circa 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Zoster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoster. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

zoster

noun
zos·​ter ˈzäs-tər How to pronounce zoster (audio)

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