Vaccine Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈveɪsɪn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A preparation that is administered to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease, typically consisting of inactivated or attenuated forms of the causative agent.

Examples

• The doctor recommended getting the vaccine to protect against the flu.
• Vaccines are an important way to prevent the spread of diseases.

Synonyms

• Injection
• Prioritization

Antonyms

• Inoculation
• Poison

Additional Information

Vaccines have been instrumental in the control and elimination of many infectious diseases, such as smallpox and polio. They work by introducing a small, harmless piece of a disease-causing agent to the body, which triggers an immune response and confers immunity.

The development and distribution of vaccines is a complex process, involving multiple stages, including research, testing, production, and distribution. Vaccines are typically administered via injection or orally.

Etymology

The word “vaccine” comes from the Latin word “vacca,” meaning “cow,” in reference to the cowpox virus used in the development of the first vaccine by Edward Jenner.

Usage Notes

Vaccines are often used in phrases such as “getting a vaccine” or “receiving a vaccine,” and can also be used in sentences like “The vaccine is effective against the disease.”

Cultural References

Vaccines have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books, often highlighting their importance in public health.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Phrases like “vaccine schedule” or “vaccine mandate” are commonly used to refer to the recommended dates for vaccinations or the requirement for vaccinations in certain settings.

Related Words or Phrases

Words like “immunity,” “infection,” and “disease” are closely related to vaccines and are often used in conjunction with the term.

Collocations

Collocations like “vaccine distribution” or “vaccine effectiveness” are common in writing and speech.

Frequency of Use

Vaccines are frequently used in medical contexts, but less commonly in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “vaccine” include “vaccene” and “vacine.”