to bud; to insert, or graft, as the bud of a tree or plant in another tree or plant.-to insert a foreign bud into; as, to inoculate a tree.-to communicate a disease to ( a person ) by inserting infectious matter in the skin or flesh; as, to inoculate a person with the virus of smallpox,rabies, etc.  see vaccinate.-fig.: to introduce into the mind; -- used especially of harmful ideas or principles; to imbue; as, to inoculate one with treason or infidelity.-to graft by inserting buds.-to communicate disease by inoculation.