Vaccine Definition

văk-sēn, văksēn
vaccines
noun
vaccines
Lymph, or a preparation of this, from a cowpox vesicle, containing the causative virus and used in vaccination against cowpox or smallpox.
Webster's New World
Any preparation of killed microorganisms, weakened viruses, etc. that is introduced into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease by causing the formation of antibodies.
Webster's New World
A software program designed to detect and stop the progress of computer viruses.
American Heritage

(immunology) A substance given to stimulate the body's production of antibodies and provide immunity against a disease, prepared from the agent that causes the disease, or a synthetic substitute.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
adjective
Of cowpox or vaccination.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Vaccine

Noun

Singular:
vaccine
Plural:
vaccines

Origin of Vaccine

  • From Latin vaccinus, from vacca (“cow") (because of early use of the cowpox virus against smallpox). Cf. New or Scientific Latin (variola) vaccÄ«na, or "cowpox".

    From Wiktionary

  • From Latin vaccīnus of cows from vacca cow

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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