inoculate

inoculate [i näk′yə lāt΄]

vt.

inoculated, inoculating [ME enoculaten < L inoculatus, pp. of inoculare, to engraft a bud in another plant < in-, in + oculus, a bud, EYE]

1.

a) to inject a serum, vaccine, etc. into (a living organism), esp. in order to create immunity

b) to communicate (a disease) in this way

2. to put or implant microorganisms into (soil, a culture medium, etc.) to develop a culture, stimulate growth, fix nitrogen, etc.

3. to introduce ideas, etc. into the mind of; imbue

inoculative [i näk′yo͞olāt΄iv, i näk′yəlāt΄iv; i näk′yo͞olə tiv, i näk′yələ tiv]

adj.

inoculator

n.