Langimage
English

vaccine

|vac/cine|

B2

/ˈvæksiːn/

immunization substance

Etymology
Etymology Information

'vaccine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vaccinus,' where 'vacca' meant 'cow.'

Historical Evolution

'vaccinus' transformed into the French word 'vaccine,' and eventually became the modern English word 'vaccine' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to cows,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a substance used for immunization.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35