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variolation

/vɛriəʊˈleɪʃən/ noun · British & US
Valid in UK
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What does variolation mean?

noun

The practice of inoculating against smallpox by deliberately infecting a person with a mild form of the disease, often in the 18th century.

Example

"The doctor performed variolation on the young girl to protect her from a severe case of smallpox."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for variolation

Rhymes with variolation