any one of a family of DNA-containing viruses that includes the agents causing herpes, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the cytomegalovirus
herpesvirus in American English
(ˈhɜrpizˌvaɪrəs)
noun
any of a family (Herpesviridae) of DNA viruses variously affecting certain vertebrates and invertebrates, esp. the viruses causing herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and chickenpox in human beings