How Do You Spell VARIOLATION?

Pronunciation: [vˌe͡əɹɪəlˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Variolation is a term used to describe the practice of inoculating individuals with smallpox in order to build their immunity. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /ˌvɛəriəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/. This transcription represents each sound in the word, with the "v" sound at the beginning, followed by the long "a" sound in "vari," and the "l" sound in "olation." The final syllable features a long "a" sound, followed by the shwa sound and the "sh" sound.

VARIOLATION Meaning and Definition

1. Variolation, also known as inoculation, is a historical method of protecting individuals from infectious diseases, especially smallpox. It involves deliberately infecting a person with a milder or attenuated form of the disease to stimulate the immune system and develop immunity against the more severe form of the illness.

   The practice of variolation dates back to ancient times and was widely used before the development of vaccines. It consists of introducing small amounts of infectious material, often in the form of dried crusts or liquid from smallpox pustules, into the skin, usually through scratching or cutting. This deliberate infection triggers a controlled immune response, which results in the body producing specific antibodies against the pathogen.

   Variolation was typically performed by experienced individuals, often called variolators or inoculators, who understood the risks and benefits of the procedure. While it carried some risks, such as the potential for developing severe disease or transmitting the infection to others, variolation was generally safer than natural smallpox infection, which had a much higher mortality rate.

   The success of variolation was dependent on the strain of the virus used, the individual's immune response, and the skill of the practitioner. Although the process itself carried certain dangers, it played a pivotal role in the history of medicine, providing some protection against smallpox until the development of the first vaccine by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century.

2. Inoculation with smallpox.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for VARIOLATION

• cariolation
• bariolation
• gariolation
• fariolation
• vzriolation
• vsriolation
• vwriolation
• vqriolation
• vaeiolation
• vadiolation
• vafiolation
• vatiolation
• va5iolation
• va4iolation
• varuolation
• varjolation
• varkolation
• varoolation
• var9olation
• var8olation

Etymology of VARIOLATION

The word "Variolation" is derived from the Latin word "variolae", which means "smallpox". It also includes the suffix "-ation", which indicates the process or action of the verb it is attached to. Therefore, "Variolation" refers to the process or action of intentionally infecting an individual with smallpox in order to confer immunity.

Plural form of VARIOLATION is VARIOLATIONS