- pronunciation:
- ih
nak
y
leIt
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
inoculates, inoculating, inoculated |
| definition 1: |
to inject or otherwise infect (a person or animal) with a virus or microorganism, esp. in order to create immunity to a disease.
|
| definition 2: |
to inject or transfer (viruses or microorganisms) into a nutrient material in which they can grow, such as a body.
|
| definition 3: |
to implant beliefs or ideas in (a person).
|
|
|
|
|
| derivations: |
inoculative (adj.), inoculator (n.) |
Inoculate is from a Latin word that means "to put a bud into," which is how the grafting of a tree was done. In grafting, a bud from one tree is planted into another tree, so that the two parts will grow together into one, superior plant. An inoculation puts germs into the body to grow, so that the body will develop immunity to diseases.