Definition of inoculate

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< inoculant

inoculation >

in·oc·u·late    (-nky-lt) KEY  

TRANSITIVE VERB:
in·oc·u·lat·ed , in·oc·u·lat·ing , in·oc·u·lates

1. To introduce a serum, vaccine, or antigenic substance into (the body of a person or animal), especially to produce or boost immunity to a specific disease.
2. To communicate a disease to (a living organism) by transferring its causative agent into the organism.
3. To implant microorganisms or infectious material into (a culture medium).
4. To safeguard as if by inoculation; protect.
5. To introduce an idea or attitude into the mind of.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English inoculaten, to graft a scion, from Latin inoculre , inocult- : in-, in ; see in- ² + oculus, eye, bud; see ok^w- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
in·ocu·lative (Adjective), in·ocu·lator (Noun)

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