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Dictionary Language resources

insufflate

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnsəfleɪt/

Definition of insufflate

verb

[with object]

1 Medicine blow or breathe (air, vapour, or a powdered medicine) into or through a body cavity.
blow or breathe something into or through (a part of the body).

2 Theology breathe on (someone) to symbolize spiritual influence.

Derivatives

insufflation

Origin:

late 17th century: from late Latin insufflat- 'blown into', from the verb insufflare, from in- 'into' + sufflare 'blow' (from sub- 'from below' + flare 'to blow'). insufflate (sense 2) dates from the early 20th century