infusion /ɪnˈfjuʒən/

Origin

From Latin "infusio" (pouring in), derived from "infundere" meaning "to pour in, steep"

Meanings

1. The process of extracting flavors or other qualities from plant material by soaking in liquid

   • "She made an infusion of chamomile flowers for her tea."

2. The liquid product obtained by this process

   • "The herbal infusion had a soothing effect."

3. The introduction of a substance into the body, especially through veins

   • "The patient received an infusion of antibiotics."

4. The act of adding or introducing something

   • "The company needed an infusion of fresh capital."

Word Forms

• Verb: infuse
• Adjective: infusible
• Past participle: infused
• Present participle: infusing

Synonyms

• injection
• introduction
• instillation
• steeping
• absorption

Related Words

• diffusion
• transfusion
• effusion
• perfusion

Memory Tricks

1. Think "IN-FUSE" - something being fused/poured INTO something else
2. Remember tea making: when you put a tea bag in hot water, it's an infusion process
3. Think of hospitals where medicines are "infused" into patients through IV drips

Common Collocations

• herbal infusion
• cash infusion
• capital infusion
• fresh infusion