microinjection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microinjection” mean?
A laboratory technique where a microscopic needle is used to introduce very small quantities of liquid (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A laboratory technique where a microscopic needle is used to introduce very small quantities of liquid (e.g., DNA, proteins) directly into a single living cell.
Can refer more broadly to any injection process conducted on a microscopic scale, though this is less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation and stress may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in relevant scientific communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “microinjection” in a Sentence
microinjection of [material] into [target]microinjection into [target]to perform/carry out a microinjectionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microinjection” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The plasmid was microinjected into the pronucleus of the fertilised egg.
American English
- We will microinject the CRISPR complex directly into the embryo.
adverb
British English
- The dye was delivered microinjectionally, cell by cell. (Rare, highly technical)
American English
- N/A (Not a standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- The microinjection needle must be extremely fine and sharp.
American English
- They used a specialised microinjection setup for the experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in biotech/pharma R&D contexts.
Academic
Primary usage domain. Common in molecular biology, genetics, and embryology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The core domain of use. Refers to a specific, high-skill laboratory procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microinjection”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microinjection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microinjection”
- Using it to refer to small medical injections (e.g., insulin).
- Pronouncing it as 'micro-injection' with a clear break, rather than as a fused compound.
- Confusing it with 'microinjector' (the device).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely in clinical medicine. It is primarily a research and assisted reproductive technology (e.g., ICSI) tool, not a standard therapeutic injection.
A micromanipulator, which controls a very fine glass needle (a microinjection pipette) under a microscope.
Microinjection is a direct physical method into individual cells. Transfection (e.g., using chemicals or electricity) is often used to introduce material into many cells at once but is less direct and controllable.
Yes, advanced robotic microinjection systems exist to increase throughput and precision, though manual skill is still highly valued.
A laboratory technique where a microscopic needle is used to introduce very small quantities of liquid (e.
Microinjection is usually technical/scientific in register.
Microinjection: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.krəʊ.ɪnˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪ.kroʊ.ɪnˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A (Technical term does not form idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TINY (micro) doctor giving a shot (injection) to a SINGLE CELL under a microscope.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SURGICAL PROCEDURE ON A CELL (precision, tools, targeted intervention).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'microinjection' MOST commonly used?