HealthAugust 22, 2026

acellular

ay-SEL-yuh-ler

Definition

Refers to a type of vaccine that contains only specific components of a bacterium or virus rather than the whole, intact organism.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin prefix 'a-' meaning 'without' and the Latin 'cellula' meaning 'small cell.' It was coined to describe biological substances or vaccines that lack intact cells.

In the news

The article uses 'acellular' to describe the Tdap vaccine, distinguishing it as a safer, component-based preparation used to prevent pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

El Paso health officials urge vaccines as whooping cough cases rise in the city

Read the full article ↗

KFOX

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