inoculum

American  

[ih-nok-yuh-luhm] / ɪˈnɒk yə ləm /

noun

plural

inocula

1. the substance used to make an inoculation.

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inoculum British  

/ ɪˈnɒkjʊləm /

noun

1. med the substance used in giving an inoculation

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Etymology

Origin of inoculum

1900–05; < New Latin, equivalent to inocul ( āre ) to inoculate + -um noun suffix

Example Sentences

They also compared the green roof fungal species identified to those present in the inoculum and in the air.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2024

Inoculation, on the other hand, dates to 1714, in one sense referring to the act of injecting an "inoculum."

From Fox News • Nov. 29, 2021

"If you see more of a viral inoculum, your immune system needs to kick into gear, so you may get higher upper respiratory symptoms — mild, cold-like symptoms," Gandhi said.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2021

So a little contamination can multiple over time and reach an inoculum that is infectious as time passes.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2018

Charge the platinum loop with a small quantity of the inoculum, observing the usual routine, and plant tube No. 1, smearing thoroughly all over the surface.

From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)