insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 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 After a pacemaker insertion, cancer treatment, and a career collecting medical bills, Williams wants the U.S. to transition to a single-payer system. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Studying the iterations of these genes in 21 separate species, including 6 apes and 15 monkeys, the team found one mutation — an insertion of genetic code in the TBXT gene — present in the former, including humans, and not present in latter. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 Beverley’s insertion into the game clearly riled the fans up, but the player’s intensity also ratcheted up a notch. Brian Sampson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 This image provided by Intuitive Machines shows its Odysseus lunar lander over the near side of the moon following lunar orbit insertion, Feb. 21, 2024. William Harwood, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2024 Cancer was raised as a potential risk because a fetus’ rapidly dividing tissues would be extra susceptible to instances where insertion of a piece of DNA disrupts a part of the genome that regulates cell growth. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 Richardson’s insertion in the starting lineup could be temporary; Rozier ultimately could replace him. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024 For her, the insertion process was akin to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Lindsey Murray, Health, 16 Dec. 2023 Size Typically, a duvet insert should be a couple inches smaller than its cover for simple insertion. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insertion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insertion was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near insertion

Cite this Entry

“Insertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insertion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insertion

noun
in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on insertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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