Vaccine definition
A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, or of a portion of the pathogen's structure, that stimulates immune cells to recognize and attack it, especially through antibody production. Most vaccines are given orally or by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
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.
noun
The definition of a vaccine is an inoculation used to stimulate antibodies in your body so you will develop immunity against a certain disease.
A shot you get that is intended to make you immune to catching the measles is an example of a vaccine.
noun
A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, or of a portion of the pathogen's structure that upon administration to an individual stimulates antibody production or cellular immunity against the pathogen but is incapable of causing severe infection.
noun
(computers) A software program designed to detect and stop the progress of computer viruses.
noun
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A preparation from the cowpox virus that protects against smallpox when administered to an individual.
noun
(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.
noun
(originally) Lymph, or a preparation of this, from a cowpox vesicle, containing the causative virus and used in vaccination against cowpox or smallpox.
noun
(rare) Of cowpox or vaccination.
adjective
A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, or of a portion of the pathogen's structure, that is administered to prevent or treat infection by the pathogen and that functions by stimulating the production of an immune response.
noun
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A preparation from the cowpox virus that protects against smallpox when administered to an individual.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
vaccine
Plural:
vaccinesOrigin of vaccine
- From Latin vaccīnus of cows from vacca cow
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- 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