perfuse

verb

per·​fuse (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüz How to pronounce perfuse (audio)
perfused; perfusing

transitive verb

1
: suffuse
2
a
: to cause to flow or spread : diffuse
b
: to force a fluid through (an organ or tissue) especially by way of the blood vessels
perfusion
(ˌ)pər-ˈfyü-zhən How to pronounce perfuse (audio)
noun

Examples of perfuse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the hearts were perfused, the tissue and the perfusate or perfusion liquid were analyzed and other data were collected including pressure, flow, and ultrasound to see how the heart contracted. — Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 22 July 2024 Devices for perfusing hearts and livers were approved in late 2021. — Ted Alcorn, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin perfusus, past participle of perfundere to pour over, from per- through + fundere to pour — more at found

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfuse was in the 15th century

Rhymes for perfuse

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Browse Nearby Words

perfusate
perfuse
perfusionist
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Cite this Entry

“Perfuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfuse. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

perfuse

transitive verb
per·​fuse (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüz How to pronounce perfuse (audio)
perfused; perfusing
1
: suffuse
the skin was perfused by blood
2
a
: to cause to flow or spread : diffuse
b
: to force a fluid through (an organ or tissue) especially by way of the blood vessels
perfuse a liver with salt solution

More from Merriam-Webster on perfuse

Nglish: Translation of perfuse for Spanish Speakers

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