rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinfusionExtraction by steeping
noun

infusion

in-FYOO-zhuhn/ɪnˈfjuːʒn/

An extraction of flavor or other substances by steeping ingredients in liquid.

Chamomile flowers float in the finished infusion.

Clear mug of finished chamomile infusion with floating flower heads and tea strainer beside it; no labels.
Etymology
inLatinin, into
+fusLatinto pour, melt
+ionLatinaction or process

The pieces underlie a noun meaning “a pouring in” or “a watering.” In English, infusion also named the resulting liquid extract obtained by soaking something in water, directly matching the drink or solution sense.

In context

Boring History For Sleep HQ69:56
where a simple infusion or tea uses hot water to extract a plant's properties for immediate use.
The Surprisingly Simple Remedies of a Colonial American Apothecary | Boring History for Sleep

More examples

  • The tea’s infusion took several minutes.
  • She strained the herbal infusion into a cup.
  • The oil carried the flavor of a rosemary infusion.

Forms

infusion · infusions

Similar words

decoction
A decoction extracts by boiling; an infusion commonly steeps ingredients in liquid.
extract
An extract is the resulting concentrated material; infusion can name the steeping process or the resulting liquid.