inoculation

[ ih-nok-yuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of inoculating.
2. an instance of inoculating.

inoculation

/ ĭ-nŏk′yə-lā′shən /

1. The introduction of a serum, a vaccine, or an antigenic substance into the body of a person or an animal, especially as a means to produce or boost immunity to a specific disease.
2. The introduction of a microorganism or an agent of disease into an host organism or a growth medium.

inoculation

1. The introduction of an antigen into the body, usually by injection, in order to stimulate the production of antibodies to produce immunity to an infectious disease . ( See immunization .)

Other Word Forms

• nonin·ocu·lation noun
• postin·ocu·lation adjective
• rein·ocu·lation noun
• self-in·ocu·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoculation¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin inoculātiōn- (stem of inoculātiō ) an engrafting. See inoculate, -ion

Example Sentences

The answer is that Republicans’ endless harping on patriotism has been a performative camouflage and effective inoculation against un-American acts.

From Salon

Health experts say that the disease could be controlled or even eradicated with proper inoculation rates - generally defined as 95% of a community receiving the measles vaccine.

From BBC

Employees say they are barred from posting notices that the vaccines are available, making posts promoting inoculations, or giving press interviews encouraging the public to seek them.

From Salon

The vast majority of health experts champion inoculations for their long history of success - guarding against dangerous diseases and even eradicating deadly smallpox.

From BBC

On Wednesday, Lutnick described a recent conversation he had with Kennedy about vaccines, repeatedly making the unfounded claim that there is a link between the life-saving inoculations and autism.

From Salon