insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: something that is inserted: such as

a

: the part of a muscle that inserts

b

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

c

: embroidery or needlework inserted as ornament between two pieces of fabric

d

: a section of genetic material that is inserted into an existing gene sequence

2

a

: the act or process of inserting

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

in-ˈsər-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of insertion in a Sentence

Treatment may include the insertion of a tube in his ear.

The report contains a number of insertions.

Recent Examples on the Web

These require insertion to a depth of at least two inches to work properly. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Although most have been inactivated at various points in mammalian history, some have kept jumping, creating large regions of repetitive sequences and mutations that are occasionally harmful when the insertion sites are in human genes. —Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024

Cupp’s doctor suggested more testing, including the insertion of a catheter to examine whether his arteries were blocked. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2024

However, Atwood asked the team to try his arms again, eventually guiding them to successfully make the insertion into one of his hands. —Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the act or process of inserting

2

a

: something inserted

b

: the part of a muscle that is attached to a part to be moved

3

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

Medical Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved compare origin sense 2

2

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

3

a

: a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective