vaccine
UK: ˈvæksiːn | US: vækˈsiːn
n. a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases
n. (figuratively) something that prevents or counteracts a harmful influence
vaccine = vacc<cow> + ine<substance>
- vacc<cow>: From Latin vacca (cow), referencing the use of cowpox virus in early smallpox vaccines.
- ine<substance>: A suffix used in scientific terms to denote substances (e.g., caffeine, protein).
Etymology Origin:
The word vaccine originates from Edward Jenner’s 18th-century work on smallpox immunity. He used cowpox (Variolae vaccinae, "smallpox of the cow") to inoculate humans, coining the term vaccination. Over time, vaccine expanded to cover all immunizing agents, retaining its root link to cows. The suffix -ine standardizes it as a medical substance.
The measles vaccine has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Scientists are developing a new vaccine for the emerging virus.
Education acts as a vaccine against ignorance.
She received her flu vaccine at the local clinic.
The rapid rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine was a global achievement.