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

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

Inoculation, on the other hand, dates to 1714, in one sense referring to the act of injecting an “inoculum.”

From Washington Times

Inoculation, on the other hand, dates to 1714, in one sense referring to the act of injecting an "inoculum."

From Fox News

"If you see more of a viral inoculum, your immune system needs to kick into gear, so you may get higher upper respiratory symptoms — mild, cold-like symptoms," Gandhi said.

From Salon

"What we know is that masks not only prevent infection, but if they don't fail to prevent infection they're associated with less severe disease, they presumably cut down on the inoculum size."

From Salon