vaccinia

[ vak-sin-ee-uh ]

noun

1. a variant of the cowpox virus that became established in vaccines derived from cowpox-inoculated humans.
2. Pathology. an acute infection caused by inoculation with vaccinia virus as a prophylactic against smallpox, characterized by localized pustular eruptions.

vaccinia

/ vækˈsɪnɪə /

noun

1. a technical name for cowpox

Derived Forms

• vacˈcinial, adjective

Other Words From

• vac·cini·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaccinia¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; vaccine, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaccinia¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin vaccīnus of cows

Example Sentences

Made by Bavarian Nordic, it contains a weakened version of the vaccinia virus used in the smallpox vaccine.

From Science Magazine

This vaccine is also based on vaccinia virus, however the version of the vaccinia virus in the ACAM2000 vaccine is able to replicate in a person’s cells.

From Scientific American

The Jynneos vaccine is given in two doses four weeks apart and contains a live vaccinia virus.

From Salon

One, named ACAM2000, is a modern version of the age-old smallpox vaccine, made from unmodified vaccinia virus, that helped eradicate that disease from humans, a feat WHO celebrated as complete in 1980.

From Science Magazine

Yet the vast majority of existing smallpox vaccines consist still replicating vaccinia.

From Science Magazine