inoculum

noun

in·​oc·​u·​lum i-ˈnä-kyə-ləm How to pronounce inoculum (audio)
plural inocula i-ˈnä-kyə-lə How to pronounce inoculum (audio)
: material used for inoculation

Examples of inoculum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand ... sometimes a massive inoculum can kill an otherwise healthy person. — Holly Yan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2021 But in the grand scheme of history, it may also be seen as a very costly inoculum against future events. — Evan Ratliff, Wired, 16 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin inoculare

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inoculum was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Inoculum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inoculum. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

inoculum

noun
in·​oc·​u·​lum in-ˈäk-yə-ləm How to pronounce inoculum (audio)
plural inocula -lə How to pronounce inoculum (audio)
: material used for inoculation
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