(1749–1823), English physician, the pioneer of vaccination. Jenner deliberately infected people with small amounts of cowpox as he believed it would protect them from catching smallpox. The practice was eventually accepted throughout the world, leading to the widespread use of vaccination for other diseases and eventually to the eradication of smallpox in the late 20th century.
Definition of Jenner, Edward in US English:
Jenner, Edward
proper nounˈjenər
(1749–1823), British physician; the pioneer of vaccination. He deliberately infected people with small amounts of cowpox because he believed it would protect them from catching the disease. The practice led to the widespread use of vaccination against disease.