infusion

American  

[in-fyoo-zhuhn] / ɪnˈfyu ʒən /

noun

1. the act or process of infusing.

2. something that is infused.

3. a liquid extract, as tea, prepared by steeping or soaking.

4. Pharmacology.

   1. the steeping or soaking of a crude drug in water.

   2. the liquid so prepared.

5. Medicine/Medical.

   1. the introduction of a saline or other solution into a vein.

   2. the solution used.

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infusion British  

/ ɪnˈfjuːʒən, ɪnˈfjuːsɪv /

noun

1. the act of infusing

2. something infused

3. an extract obtained by soaking

4. med introduction of a liquid, such as a saline solution, into a vein or the subcutaneous tissues of the body

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• infusive
  adjective
• reinfusion
  noun

Etymology

Origin of infusion

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin infūsiōn- (stem of infūsiō ). See infuse, -ion

Explanation

The most common example of an infusion you are likely to encounter in your daily life is your morning cup of coffee. An infusion is the creation of a new substance by steeping another substance in a liquid, usually water. Infusion is often misused with transfusion, which has a slightly different meaning. A transfusion, as in a blood transfusion, is the simple addition of one substance to another, without the creation of something new. But a drip feed of medicine, for example, is technically an infusion as it alters the state of the blood. See, you’re halfway to becoming a doctor (or at least a linguist) simply by reading this site.

Example Sentences

Lord Mandelson later adds: "I went in to No 10 after I saw you. It is beleaguered and bereft. It requires complete revamp and infusion of purpose and confidence to get anywhere."

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Would an infusion of paper money not, at least, have softened the price-chopping transition to steam from sail, to rails from horses and to machinery from manpower?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Until now, hospital pharmacy teams have had to prepare a bag of the drug under sterile conditions which is then given as an infusion into the vein through a cannula.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Following a strong start to the year, shares of the infusion therapy services provider fell by 24% yesterday after first quarter results External link underwhelmed.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

A hundred of his own Highgarden men had been added to the gold cloaks, yet plainly his lordship meant to resist any balancing infusion of westermen.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin