# insert

Pronunciation: say "in-SURT" US /ɪnˈsɝt/, UK /ɪnˈsɜːt/

## Verb

1. To place something into or between other things.
   - Simple: To put something into or between other things.
   - _Insert the key into the lock and turn it gently._
   - _The editor inserted a new paragraph between the two sections._

## Noun

Pronunciation: say "IN-surt" US /ˈɪnsɝt/, UK /ˈɪnsɜːt/

2. A promotional or instructional leaflet placed inside a magazine, newspaper, or product package.
   - Simple: A small printed sheet placed inside a magazine or newspaper, often an ad or a guide.
   - _The weekend edition is packed with advertising inserts._
   - _She tossed the insert from the cereal box without reading it._
3. A separate component fitted into another mechanical part, often to add strength or a different material.
   - Simple: A small part that fits into a larger part of a machine.
   - _Engineers fitted a hardened steel insert into the cylinder bore._
   - _Threaded inserts let you fasten bolts into soft aluminum._
4. A picture or image placed within a passage of text.
   - Simple: A picture placed inside written text on a page.
   - _The textbook uses a labeled insert to show the engine's parts._
   - _Editors positioned several inserts beside the relevant paragraphs._
5. A keyboard key that toggles between insert mode, where typed text pushes existing text aside, and overwrite mode.
   - Simple: A keyboard key that switches between adding text and typing over the text already there.
   - _Tapping Insert toggled the editor into overwrite mode._
   - _Many laptops shrink or remove the Insert key to save space._
6. A close-up shot used to draw the viewer's attention to a particular detail within a larger scene.
   - Simple: A close-up shot that points the viewer's eye to one small detail in a scene.
   - _The editor cut to an insert of the detective's trembling hands._
   - _Several inserts of the map oriented the audience before the chase._
7. In broadcasting, a segment recorded in advance and then played during a live program.
   - Simple: A recorded part played during a live show.
   - _The program cut to an insert of the reporter's earlier interview._
   - _Producers lined up three inserts to fill the live hour._
8. An expression, such as 'please' or an interjection, with a flexible position within an utterance.
   - Simple: A word like "please" that can be dropped into different points of a sentence.
   - _Linguists treat "please" as an insert, since it can attach almost anywhere in a sentence._
   - _Inserts like "oh" and "well" float freely through casual conversation._
9. In genetics, a stretch of DNA that has been introduced into another DNA molecule.
   - Simple: A piece of DNA placed into another DNA molecule.
   - _Researchers ligated the insert into a plasmid vector._
   - _Sequencing confirmed that the inserts carried no mutations._
10. In audio production, a plug-in placed on a track to process its sound with an effect.
   - Simple: A small program that adds a sound effect to an audio track.
   - _The engineer loaded a compressor as the first insert on the bass channel._
   - _He bypassed the inserts to compare the raw and processed sound._
11. An absorbent pad placed inside a cloth diaper to soak up moisture. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: A soft, absorbent pad placed inside a cloth diaper.
   - _The bamboo insert held more moisture than the cotton one._
   - _Parents often layer two inserts for overnight use._

## Origin

From Latin insertus, the past participle of inserō, formed from in- plus serō ("to join, bind together, connect, interweave"). This traces back to Proto-Indo-European *ser- ("to bind, put together, line up").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/insert (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).