Cowpock

/ˈkaʊpɑk/ noun

Definition

A pustule or pock mark resulting from cowpox infection; also refers to the disease itself in some contexts.

Etymology

From 'cow' (bovine animal) + 'pock' (a pustule or mark, from Old English 'poc'). This term emerged during the 18th century when cowpox became medically significant.

Kelly Says

The cowpock became one of the most important medical discoveries in human history—Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids with cowpox scars never caught deadly smallpox, leading him to invent vaccination, one of medicine's greatest breakthroughs.

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