vaccinia Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a local infection induced in humans by inoculation with the virus causing cowpox in order to confer resistance to smallpox; normally lasts three weeks and leaves a pitted scar
    variola vaccina; vaccina; variola vaccinia; variola vaccine.
  2. noun a viral disease of cattle causing a mild skin disease affecting the udder; formerly used to inoculate humans against smallpox
    cowpox.

WordNet

Vac*cin"i*a noun
Etymology
NL. See Vaccine.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) Cowpox; vaccina. See Cowpox.

Webster 1913