insufflation

noun in·suf·fla·tion \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈflā-shən, in-ˌsə-ˈflā-\

Definition of INSUFFLATION

: an act or the action of blowing on, into, or in: as

a : a Christian ceremonial rite of exorcism performed by breathing on a person

b : the act of blowing something (as a gas, powder, or vapor) into a body cavity

— in·suf·flate \ˈin(t)-sə-ˌflāt, in-ˈsə-ˌflāt\ transitive verb

— in·suf·fla·tor \-ˌflā-tər\ noun

Origin of INSUFFLATION

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Medical Dictionary

insufflation

noun in·suf·fla·tion \ˌin(t)-sə-ˈflā-shən, in-ˌsəf-ˈlā-\

Medical Definition of INSUFFLATION

: 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>

—in·suf·flate \ˈin(t)-sə-ˌflāt, in-ˈsəf-ˌlāt\ transitive verb