vaccine
vaccine Lexical Profile
vaccine Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease, typically containing an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism.
"The researchers worked around the clock in the laboratory to develop an effective vaccine for the novel viral strain."
Anything that provides protection or immunity against a harmful influence or pervasive societal problem (used figuratively).
"Proper education and critical thinking skills are often seen as a vaccine against misinformation."
• Rhymes for vaccine
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1798 by British physician Edward Jenner from the Latin 'vaccinus' meaning 'of or from a cow' (from 'vacca', cow). He used the term to describe the cowpox virus ('Variolae vaccinae'), which he famously used to immunize humans against smallpox.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.