Vaccine - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A vaccine is a substance that helps the body develop immunity to a disease by stimulating the production of antibodies, protecting against future infections. It is usually given through injection or orally.
Definition:
A substance used to stimulate immunity against a disease, typically containing weakened or killed pathogens.
Synonyms:
immunization, inoculation, shot, jab
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
disease, infection
Common Collocations:
flu vaccine, vaccine efficacy, vaccine development, administer a vaccine, vaccine side effects
Derivatives:
vaccination, vaccinate, vaccinator
Usage Tips:
Use "vaccine" when referring to medical preparations that provide immunity; avoid using it for non-medical contexts.
Common Phrases:
herd immunity, booster shot, vaccine rollout
Etymology:
From Latin "vaccinus" (pertaining to cows), via cowpox inoculation by Edward Jenner in 1796.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor recommended the flu vaccine for all patients.
- 2. Children receive multiple vaccines during their first few years of life.
- 3. Scientists developed a new vaccine to combat the virus quickly.
- 4. Herd immunity occurs when most people in a community are vaccinated.