infuse
in-FYOOZ
/ɪnˈfjuːz/
To soak a substance (like herbs or tea) in a liquid to extract its flavors or properties.
Usually implies the liquid is hot, though 'cold infusion' is common in modern brewing.
The story behind the word. Coming from 'in-' (into) and 'fundere' (to pour), it originally described the act of pouring a liquid over something to extract its essence.
Word relationships
- steep: Steep is the action of soaking; infuse is the process of the flavor entering the liquid.
- imbue: More literary; refers to soaking or saturating with a feeling or color.
- drain: To remove liquid rather than letting it soak.
Commonly confused with
- suffuse: Suffuse means to spread over or through, like light or a blush, rather than soaking to extract flavor.
Word family
- infusion (noun): The liquid resulting from the process of infusing.
Collocations
- infuse with flavor
- herbal infusion
- infuse tea
Example sentences
- "To create the signature dressing, the chef will infuse the olive oil with fresh rosemary and garlic." Preparing a flavored oil.
- "The coach tried to infuse the team with a sense of confidence before the final match." Metaphorical use regarding quality.
Memory hook
You 'fuse' the flavor 'in' to the water. Fuse the flavor in.
When not to use
Don't use when you are simply mixing two liquids; infusion requires a solid and a liquid.
Fun facts
- In medicine, an 'infusion' refers to the slow injection of a substance, like saline or medicine, into a vein.
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