infusion
UK[ɪnˈfjuːʒn]US[ɪnˈfjuːʒn]
n
The act of adding one thing to another to make it stronger or more successful.
n
A drink or liquid made by soaking a substance, especially an herb, in hot water.
n
The slow, continuous introduction of a substance, especially a drug or nutrient, into a vein or tissue.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
fus
ion
in
in
fus
pour
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "infusion" has a literal and logical journey from Latin to English. It derives from the Latin verb infundere, meaning "to pour in," which is itself composed of the prefix in- ("into") and the verb fundere ("to pour"). The past participle stem of this verb, infus-, was combined with the noun-forming suffix -io to create the Latin noun infusio, denoting the action or result of pouring something in. This core concept of introducing one substance into another by pouring was adopted into Middle English via Old French. Over time, the meaning broadened from the physical act of steeping herbs in liquid to encompass more abstract processes, such as the introduction of capital, ideas, or vitality into a system, while retaining its medical and culinary applications.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + fus (pour) + ion (noun suffix)
- in: Latin origin, meaning "in, into, on, upon". A prefix indicating inward motion or position.
- fus: Latin origin, from the root of the verb fundere, meaning "to pour, to melt, to cast".
- ion: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The company needs an infusion of new talent to stay competitive.
She prepared a calming herbal infusion of chamomile and mint.
The patient received an intravenous infusion of antibiotics.