Reference:
Mair, V. (2021, April 30). Merriam-Webster gives “vaccine” a new definition. Language Log. Retrieved from https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=50886
Summary:
In a recent post, Victor Mair discusses an update to the definition of “vaccine” by Merriam-Webster. While traditional definitions describe vaccines as preparations of weakened or killed pathogens, the new entry expands this definition significantly. It now includes various forms of vaccines, such as those containing inactivated or attenuated pathogens, components of pathogens, and even genetic materials like messenger RNA that instruct the body to produce an immune response. The updated definition reflects advancements in vaccine technology, particularly in relation to recent innovations in mRNA vaccines, which have gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mair highlights the implications of this broader definition for understanding vaccine development and public health.