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

One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025

How fast, for example, could a new search or insertion possibly be? —Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 10 Feb. 2025

Prime editing offers more accurate and flexible DNA modifications compared to traditional CRISPR-Cas9 systems, allowing for insertions, deletions, and base substitutions without inducing double-strand breaks. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Generally, the drama does spectacularly well with abiding by a primal sense of magical realism — the finding of wonderment in the banal and the insertion of banality into the wondrous. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• exertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

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