infuser

infuser

She places the tea infuser into the ceramic teapot.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A device for steeping: an "infuser" is a container or utensil used to steep tea leaves, herbs, or other substances in hot water to extract flavor or medicinal properties.
    • A person who imparts: someone or something that introduces or instills a quality, idea, or substance into something else.
Usage Examples
  • Device for steeping:
    • She placed the tea leaves in a metal infuser before lowering it into the cup. (A tool for brewing tea by allowing water to circulate through the leaves.)
  • Person who imparts:
    • The teacher was an infuser of curiosity in her students. (She instilled a sense of wonder and inquiry in them.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to use an infuser": to employ a device for steeping.
    • For a stronger flavor, use a mesh infuser with loose-leaf tea. (Choose a fine-mesh container to allow better extraction.)
  • "infuser of energy": a person or thing that brings vitality or enthusiasm.
    • His speech was an infuser of energy into the tired crowd. (His words revitalized the audience.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Infuse (verb): to steep or soak in liquid to extract flavor or properties; also, to instill a quality.
    • You need to infuse the herbs in boiling water for ten minutes. (Steep them to release their essence.)
  • Infusion (noun): the process or result of steeping; also, the act of instilling something.
    • The tea infusion was dark and aromatic. (The liquid resulting from steeping.)
  • Infuser (noun) — the word itself, often used for tea-making tools.
Synonyms
  • Steeper: a device for steeping (less common).
  • Brewer: a tool for making beverages like tea or coffee.
  • Imbuer: someone who instills a quality (rare).
Phrasal Verbs (related to "infuse")
  • Infuse with: to fill or permeate something with a quality.
    • The chef infused the sauce with garlic. (Added garlic flavor throughout.)
  • Infuse into: to introduce a substance or quality into something.
    • The mentor infused confidence into her protégé. (Instilled confidence in the person.)
Related Idioms
  • "Steep in tradition": to be deeply immersed in customs (conceptually similar to infusing).
    • The ceremony was steeped in tradition, like an infuser of cultural values. (Rich with inherited practices.)
  • "Brew trouble": to cause problems gradually (metaphorically related to steeping).
    • His words were an infuser of trouble among the team. (He stirred up conflict.)