The word "vaccinate" is spelled with two Cs and two Ts, despite what you may hear in spoken English. The first sound is a V, followed by the short A sound as in "cat". The next syllable is pronounced "sih", with the K and N sounds clearly separated. The final syllable is pronounced "teyt" with the long A sound as in "late". So, the IPA phonetic transcription for "vaccinate" is /ˈvæk.sɪ.neɪt/. Remember, proper pronunciation and spelling are both important in effective communication!
Vaccinate is a verb that refers to the process of administering a vaccine to an individual, usually by means of an injection, to provide protection against a specific infectious disease. The primary aim of vaccination is to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies or other specific immune responses that can effectively combat the targeted disease-causing pathogens. This proactive approach assists in developing immunity and reducing the likelihood of contracting the infection or falling severely ill from it.
Vaccination is a universally acknowledged preventive measure in public health, with proven success in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of various diseases, such as polio, measles, and smallpox. It operates on the principle of the body's immune memory, enabling it to recognize and neutralize the disease-causing agents more efficiently if encountered in the future.
Vaccines are typically composed of inactivated or weakened forms of the targeted pathogen or specific components derived from them, such as proteins or sugars. By introducing these substances into the body, vaccines prompt the immune system to mount a response and build necessary defenses without causing the full-blown disease symptoms themselves.
Individuals are often vaccinated during childhood, following a recommended schedule, to boost immunity against common diseases. However, vaccination can also be administered at other stages of life, depending on specific circumstances, health conditions, or outbreaks. The development and administration of vaccines are strictly regulated through rigorous scientific research, clinical trials, and approval processes, ensuring safety and effectiveness. It is essential to note that vaccination not only protects the individuals receiving the vaccine but also contributes to broader community health by reducing the transmission of infectious diseases and promoting herd immunity.
1. To inoculate with the virus of cow-pox as a protection against smallpox. 2. To inoculate with any vaccine in order to secure immunity against the corresponding disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To inoculate with vaccine matter or the cow-pox as a preventive of small-pox.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vaccinate" originates from the Latin word "vaccinatus", which is the past participle of "vaccinare". "Vaccinare" is derived from "vacca", meaning cow, as the concept of vaccination is closely linked to cowpox. Edward Jenner, an English physician, developed the first successful smallpox vaccine by using cowpox virus in the late 18th century. The Latin word "vaccinus" means "from cows", reflecting the original association with cowpox. Over time, the term "vaccinate" expanded to refer to the broader process of immunization with various vaccines.