noun
vaccine
vak-SEEN/vækˈsiːn/
A preparation that stimulates immunity against a disease.
The vaccine vial rests beside a capped syringe ready for use in immunization.
Etymology
“Pertaining to a cow” became a name for material used in vaccination because cowpox provided protection against smallpox. The name broadened with vaccination to preparations protecting against other diseases.
In context
the most effective prevention of rubella up to date is vaccination. When the vaccination rate fell, the rubella cases returned. It is a live attenuated vaccine
More examples
- The study evaluated a vaccine.
- Several vaccines were discussed.
- She asked about the vaccine.
Forms
vaccine · vaccines
vaccinate verb — administer a vaccine
Similar words
- immunization
- The process of producing protection rather than the preparation.
- medicine
- A broad treatment category without the specific immunity role.