transfusion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (Medical), Figurative (General)
Quick answer
What does “transfusion” mean?
The process of transferring blood or blood components from one person or animal into the bloodstream of another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of transferring blood or blood components from one person or animal into the bloodstream of another.
The act of transferring something essential (like ideas, energy, money, or skills) from one source to another to revitalize or support it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use 'transfusion' identically in medical and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of life-saving medical procedure or vital transfer.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “transfusion” in a Sentence
[transfusion of NOUN] (a transfusion of cash)[NOUN transfusion] (blood transfusion)[require/need/give/undergo a transfusion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transfusion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The medical team decided to transfuse two units of packed red cells.
- In rare cases, it may be necessary to transfuse with whole blood.
American English
- The doctors needed to transfuse the patient immediately.
- They transfused him with plasma to restore volume.
adjective
British English
- The hospital follows strict transfusion protocols.
- She experienced a mild transfusion reaction.
American English
- Transfusion medicine is a key hospital department.
- He works as a transfusion specialist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively: 'The failing company needed a massive cash transfusion to stay afloat.'
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and healthcare management papers: 'The study analysed outcomes for patients receiving platelet transfusion.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively in the context of medical treatment: 'After the accident, he needed a blood transfusion.'
Technical
Core term in haematology and emergency medicine, with specific protocols: 'Initiate a massive transfusion protocol for trauma patients with haemorrhagic shock.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transfusion”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transfusion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transfusion”
- Misspelling as 'transfussion' (double 's').
- Using the verb 'transfuse' incorrectly (e.g., 'They transfused him some blood' – correct: 'They gave him a blood transfusion' or 'They transfused him with blood').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in its core medical sense. However, it can be used for other blood products (e.g., platelet transfusion) and, figuratively, for other vital transfers like money or ideas.
In medicine, 'transfusion' specifically refers to transferring blood/blood products into the bloodstream. 'Infusion' is broader, referring to introducing a substance (like medication, saline) into a vein over time. Figuratively, they are often interchangeable.
No, 'transfusion' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to transfuse' (e.g., 'to transfuse blood').
In informal spoken English, yes, but it is more precise and formal to say 'He received/was given/underwent a blood transfusion.'
The process of transferring blood or blood components from one person or animal into the bloodstream of another.
Transfusion is usually formal/technical (medical), figurative (general) in register.
Transfusion: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfjuːʒ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfjuːʒ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[figurative] a (much-needed) transfusion of X”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FUSION (joining) that TRANSfers something across (TRANS-). A transfusion 'fuses' blood from a donor into a recipient.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESSENTIAL SUBSTANCE AS A FLUID (to be poured from one container to another). VITALITY/HEALTH IS A FULL CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In a non-medical, figurative context, what does 'transfusion' typically imply?