vaccinia

vac·cin·ia

noun \vak-ˈsi-nē-ə\

Definition of VACCINIA

1

: a poxvirus (species Vaccinia virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus) that differs from but is closely related to the viruses causing smallpox and cowpox and that includes a strain of uncertain natural origin used in making vaccines against smallpox —called also vaccinia virus

2

: a reaction to smallpox vaccine prepared from live vaccinia virus that may involve a rash, fever, headache, and body pain

— vac·cin·i·al \-nē-əl\ adjective

Origin of VACCINIA

New Latin, from vaccinus

First Known Use: 1803

Rhymes with VACCINIA

Bithynia, Gdynia, gloxinia, Lavinia, Mordvinia, Sardinia, Virginia