transfusion, blood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical / Technical / Figurative Formal
Quick answer
What does “transfusion, blood” mean?
The medical procedure of transferring blood (or blood components) from one person into the circulatory system of another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The medical procedure of transferring blood (or blood components) from one person into the circulatory system of another.
Figuratively, a large-scale transfer or infusion of something essential (e.g., money, energy, ideas) into a system, organization, or person to revitalize or sustain them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., BrE 'haemorrhage' vs AmE 'hemorrhage').
Connotations
Identical connotations of life-saving necessity and critical transfer in both medical and figurative contexts.
Frequency
Medical use is equally common. Figurative use is somewhat literary or journalistic and equally used in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “transfusion, blood” in a Sentence
[Patient] underwent/received a [blood] transfusion.[Donor/Blood] was used for the transfusion.The company needed a [figurative] transfusion of cash.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transfusion, blood” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctors decided to transfuse two units of packed red cells.
- They had to transfuse him urgently.
American English
- The medical team transfused the patient with O-negative blood.
- We need to transfuse plasma immediately.
adverb
British English
- The blood was administered transfusionally.
- (Rarely used)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The hospital's transfusion committee met quarterly.
- Transfusion-associated risks were discussed.
American English
- The patient's transfusion history was reviewed.
- They followed strict transfusion protocols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The failing division required a massive cash transfusion to survive.'
Academic
Medical: 'The study analysed outcomes for patients receiving early versus delayed transfusion.' Figurative: 'The Renaissance acted as a cultural transfusion for Europe.'
Everyday
Medical: 'After the accident, he needed a blood transfusion.'
Technical
Medical: 'Compatibility testing is mandatory prior to any allogeneic transfusion.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transfusion, blood”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transfusion, blood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transfusion, blood”
- Using 'transfusion' without a necessary modifier in medical contexts (e.g., 'He had a transfusion' is acceptable, 'He had transfusion' is not). Confusing 'transfusion' (putting in) with 'transfusion' and 'transfusion' (taking out).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not technically, as other types exist (e.g., plasma transfusion). However, in general usage, 'transfusion' alone is widely understood to mean 'blood transfusion'.
No, the verb is 'to transfuse'. 'Transfusion' is only a noun.
A 'transfusion' specifically refers to introducing blood or blood products into the bloodstream. An 'infusion' is broader, referring to introducing any fluid (e.g., saline, medication) into a vein, often over time.
Both imply adding something. 'Transfusion' suggests a larger-scale, more vital, and potentially life-saving infusion (e.g., a transfusion of cash). 'Injection' can be smaller-scale and more routine (e.g., an injection of humour).
The medical procedure of transferring blood (or blood components) from one person into the circulatory system of another.
Transfusion, blood is usually medical / technical / figurative formal in register.
Transfusion, blood: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfjuː.ʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfjuː.ʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to give/get] a new lease of life (figurative equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRANSfer + infUSION = TRANSFUSION. You transfer a liquid (blood) by infusing it into someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESSENTIAL RESOURCE IS BLOOD / REVITALIZATION IS MEDICAL TREATMENT (e.g., 'The economy needs a transfusion.')
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does 'transfusion' typically imply?