Autoinoculable

/ˌɔːtoʊˈɪnɒkjələbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being transmitted or inoculated from one part of an organism to another part of itself, usually referring to infectious agents or pathogens.

Etymology

From Greek 'auto' (self) and Latin 'inoculabilis' (capable of being grafted). The term developed in microbiology and pathology in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Herpes simplex is autoinoculable—you can spread it from your lips to your eyes by touching and then rubbing your eye, which is why doctors warn against this.

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