I. ə̇nˈsərshən, -sə̄sh-, -səish- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin insertion-, insertio, from Latin insertus (past participle of inserere to insert) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of inserting
the insertion of new ball bearings
2. : something that is inserted : insert: as
a. : the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved — distinguished from origin
b. : narrow banding (as of lace or embroidery) with finished edges for insertion as ornament between two pieces of fabric
c. : a single appearance of an advertisement (as in a newspaper)
3. : the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part
the insertion of a muscle
deep insertion of the petals of a flower
• in·ser·tion·al -shən ə l, -shnəl adjective
II. noun
1. : injection 1 herein
2.
a. : a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence
b. : the mutational process producing a genetic insertion
• insertional adjective