inoculum

[ ih-nok-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural in·oc·u·la [ih-, nok, -y, uh, -l, uh].

1. the substance used to make an inoculation.

inoculum

/ ɪˈnɒkjʊləm /

noun

1. med the substance used in giving an inoculation

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoculum¹

1900–05; < New Latin, equivalent to inocul ( āre ) to inoculate + -um noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of inoculum¹

C20: New Latin; see inoculate

Example Sentences

Walsh and Fierer decided to take a unique approach: They used a greenhouse study and grew mustard plants while inoculating the plants with a liquid inoculum of microbes from soils in aspen groves, fields of sagebrush, ponderosa pine forests, and agricultural pastures, all in Colorado.

From Science Daily

The researchers added soil rich with native mycorrhizal fungi obtained from a local restored prairie, referred to as "inoculum," to the experimental green roof's soil.

From Science Daily

They also compared the green roof fungal species identified to those present in the inoculum and in the air.

From Science Daily

"The long-term and consistent effects of the inoculum were quite surprising, as it's not necessarily something you would expect when working with such small microorganisms."

From Science Daily

Many fungi came from the inoculum while other species got there through some other vector such as wind.

From Science Daily