insufflation

noun

in·​suf·​fla·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈflā-shən 

in-ˈsə-ˌflā-

: an act or the action of blowing on, into, or in: such as

a

: a Christian ceremonial rite of exorcism performed by breathing on a person

b

medicine : the act of blowing something (such as a drug in powdered form) into a body cavity

specifically : the introduction of a flow of gas into a body cavity

abdominal insufflation with carbon dioxide

insufflate

ˈin(t)-sə-ˌflāt  in-ˈsə-ˌflāt 

transitive verb

insufflator

ˈin(t)-sə-ˌflā-tər  in-ˈsə-ˌflā 

noun

Examples of insufflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As far back as the 15th century, physicians believed rectal insufflation had reanimating powers. —Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English insufflacion, from Late Latin insufflation-, insufflatio, from insufflare to blow upon, from Latin in- + sufflare to inflate, from sub- + flare to blow — more at blow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

insufflation

noun

in·​suf·​fla·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈflā-shən, in-ˌsəf-ˈlā- 

: the act of blowing something (as a drug in powdered form) into a body cavity

specifically : the introduction of a flow of gas into a body cavity

oxygen for tracheal gas insufflation

abdominal insufflation with carbon dioxide

insufflate

ˈin(t)-sə-ˌflāt  in-ˈsəf-ˌlāt 

transitive verb