What Does Vaccine Mean? Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：vaccine (Vaccine)

Vaccine 🔊

/ˈvæksiːn/

A substance that helps your body fight a disease by making it stronger against that disease.

vaccine 🔊

➕

/ˈvæksiːn/

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease, typically containing an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'vacca' (cow), referring to the cowpox virus used in early smallpox vaccines.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'cow' (vacca) protecting you from disease. Vaccines are like a friendly cow that trains your immune system.

📖 Example

The annual flu vaccine is now available at the local community health center. 🔊 The annual flu vaccine is now available at the local community health center.

🔗 Collocations

flu vaccine – influenza vaccine

vaccine rollout – distribution of vaccines

get a vaccine – receive a vaccine shot

🔄 Synonyms

immunization (n.) – the process of making a person or animal immune to a disease

inoculation (n.) – the introduction of a vaccine into the body to produce immunity

vaccination (n.) – the act of giving a vaccine to someone

🚫 Antonyms

toxin (n.) – a poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms that causes disease

🌱 Derivatives

vaccinate (v.) – to give a vaccine to someone

vaccination (n.) – the act of administering a vaccine

vaccinator (n.) – a person who administers vaccines

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'vaccine' derives from Latin 'vacca' (cow), coined by Edward Jenner after he used cowpox material to immunize against smallpox in 1796. Today, vaccines are a cornerstone of preventive medicine.