# insertion

/ˌɪnˈsɝʃən/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɜːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insertion
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. putting something inside

noun · CEFR B2

the act of putting something into a hole, space, or another object.

For teachers: the act of placing or introducing one thing into another.

- The insertion of the key into the lock was difficult because the metal was rusty.
- The surgeon performed the insertion of the catheter with great precision to avoid damaging the surrounding tissue.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' for the object and 'into' for the destination.

### 2. added text or material

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that has been added to a book, document, or piece of clothing.

For teachers: a piece of material or text that is added or integrated into an existing structure.

- The editor suggested the insertion of a new paragraph to explain the character's history.
- The manuscript contained several late insertions that were written in the margins by a different author.

### 3. muscle attachment

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the point where a muscle attaches to the bone that it moves.

For teachers: the point or mode of attachment of a skeletal muscle to the bone or other body part that it moves.

- The doctor explained that the pain was coming from the muscle's insertion at the elbow.
- The physical therapist focused on the insertion of the deltoid muscle to determine the cause of the patient's restricted range of motion.

Usage: In anatomy, the 'insertion' is contrasted with the 'origin', which is the fixed end of the muscle.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specific term for medical or sports science contexts; general learners should use 'attachment point'.

### 4. genetic mutation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

when a new part is added to a piece of DNA by mistake.

For teachers: a type of mutation involving the addition of one or more nucleotide base pairs into a DNA sequence.

- A small insertion in the gene caused the protein to stop working correctly.
- The researchers identified a chromosomal insertion that appeared to be responsible for the plant's resistance to the virus.

## Examples

- The machine requires the slow insertion of the card.
- The nurse explained that the insertion of the needle would cause a brief stinging sensation.
- In anatomical terms, the insertion of a muscle is the point where it attaches to the bone that moves when the muscle contracts, as opposed to its fixed origin.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.