a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted; "with the help of his friend's interpolations his story was eventually told"; "with many insertions in the margins" [syn: interpolation]
Main Entry: in·ser·tion Pronunciation: in-'s&r-sh&n Function: noun 1: the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part
to be moved —compare ORIGIN 2 2: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part 3 a: a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence b: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion
—in·ser·tion·al/-shn&l, -sh&n-&l/adjective
In*ser"tion\, n. [L. insertio: cf. F. insertion. See Insert.]1. The act of inserting; as, the insertion of scions in stocks; the insertion of words or passages in writings. 2. The condition or mode of being inserted or attached; as, the insertion of stamens in a calyx. 3. That which is set in or inserted, especially a narrow strip of embroidered lace, muslin, or cambric. 4. (Anat.) The point or part by which a muscle or tendon is attached to the part to be moved; -- in contradistinction to its origin. Epigynous insertion (Bot.), the insertion of stamens upon the ovary. Hypogynous insertion (Bot.), insertion beneath the ovary.
Or"i*gin\, n. [F. origine, L. origo, -iginis, fr. oriri to rise, become visible; akin to Gr. 'orny`nai to stir up, rouse, Skr. [.r], and perh. to E. run.]1. The first existence or beginning of anything; the birth. This mixed system of opinion and sentiment had its origin in the ancient chivalry. --Burke. 2. That from which anything primarily proceeds; the fountain; the spring; the cause; the occasion. 3. (Anat.) The point of attachment or end of a muscle which is fixed during contraction; -- in contradistinction to insertion. Origin of co["o]rdinate axes (Math.), the point where the axes intersect. See Note under Ordinate. Syn: Commencement; rise; source; spring; fountain; derivation; cause; root; foundation. Usage: Origin, Source. Origin denotes the rise or commencement of a thing; source presents itself under the image of a fountain flowing forth in a continuous stream of influences. The origin of moral evil has been much disputed, but no one can doubt that it is the source of most of the calamities of our race. I think he would have set out just as he did, with the origin of ideas -- the proper starting point of a grammarian, who is to treat of their signs. --Tooke. Famous Greece, That source of art and cultivated thought Which they to Rome, and Romans hither, brought. --Waller.