insufflation

1 of 2

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

insufflate

2 of 2

transitive verb

in·​suf·​flate ˈin(t)səˌflāt 

ə̇nˈsə-

-ed/-ing/-s

1

: to blow or breathe upon or into : subject to insufflation

insufflate a room with insecticide

2

: to blow or breathe (something) onto a surface or into a void : practice insufflation of

insufflated the metallic powder onto the hot surface

insufflated the drug into the depths of the wound

Examples of insufflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many instruments can be fitted on the arms for a variety of surgical needs, though two of them are always used for insufflation and cameras. —Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025

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

Noun

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

Transitive verb

Late Latin insufflatus, past participle of insufflare, from Latin in- in- entry 2 + sufflare to blow, sufflate

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insufflation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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