WorldAugust 11, 2026
monovalent
MON-uh-vay-lent
Definition
In a medical or vaccine context, referring to a vaccine designed to stimulate an immune response against a single antigen or strain of a virus.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'monos' (single) and the Latin 'valere' (to be strong or have power). It was originally used in chemistry to describe an atom or group with a combining power of one.
In the news
The term is used here to describe the specific type of COVID-19 vaccine formulation being discussed, which targets one specific strain rather than multiple variants.
Trump order directs Justice Department to sue states over vaccine exemptions
Read the full article ↗Jurist.org