zoster

[zos-ter]

noun

1. Also called herpes zoster. Pathology.,  shingles.

2. Greek Antiquity.,  a belt or girdle.

zoster

/ ˈzɒstə /

noun

1. pathol short for herpes zoster

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoster¹

1595–1605; < Latin zōstēr < Greek zōstḗr girdle

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoster¹

C18: from Latin: shingles, from Greek zōster girdle

Example Sentences

Shingles is a rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

From Los Angeles Times

It is caused by a reactivation of the Herpes zoster virus - the virus that causes chicken pox.

From BBC

Two months later, he was dead of a viral infection, varicella zoster virus encephalitis, which is among the conditions associated with AIDS, according to his family’s attorney, Ty Clarke.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though Drover is not a likely candidate for reinfection with varicella zoster, she plans to receive the vaccine every five years for protection against postherpetic neuralgia.

From Seattle Times

And nearly all of the viral-disease pairings involved “neurotropic” viruses—those that can invade the central nervous system, such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster and some strains of influenza.

From Science Magazine