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The operation of making a permanent opening into the stomach, for the introduction of food.

rpened flint for the lock of a gun, to ignite the charge. It was in common use before the introduction of percussion caps.

Matter stated by way of explanatory preamble or introduction to the main allegations of a pleading; a leading to.

The act or process of inducting or bringing in; introduction; entrance; beginning; commencement. I know not you; nor am I well pleased to make this time, as the affair now stands, the induction of your acquaintance. Beau. & Fl. These promises are fair, the parties sure, And our induction dull of prosperous hope. Shak.…

A coming in; infusion; intromission; introduction; importation in abundance; also, that which flows or comes in; as, a great influx of goods into a country, or an influx of gold and silver. The influx of food into the Celtic region, however, was far from keeping pace with the influx of consumers. Macaulau. The general…

Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary.

Suitable for an introduction or beginning; introductory; prefatory; as, an initiatory step. Bp. Hall.

The act of innovating; introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc. Dryden.

The insertion or introduction of anything among others, as the insertion of a phrase, line, or verse in a metrical composition; specif. (Geol.), the intrusion of a bed or layer between other layers. Intercalations of fresh-water species in some localities. Mantell.

Introduction. [Obs.]

The introduction of a tube into an organ to keep it open, as into the larynx in croup.

An introduction. [Obs.] Harris.

Introductory; especially, introductory to the study of theology.

ing or review of troops, as for parade, verification of numbers, inspection, exercise, or introduction into service. The hurried muster of the soldiers of liberty. Hawthorne. See how in warlike muster they appear, In rhombs, and wedges, and half-moons, and wings. Milton.

The introduction of new words, or the use of old words in a new sense. Mrs. Browning.

The introduction of a new word, or of words or significations, into a language; as, the present nomenclature of chemistry is a remarkable instance of neology.

Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence, out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising.

The quality or state of being novel; newness; freshness; recentness of origin or introduction. Novelty is the great parent of pleasure. South.

A composition, for a full orchestra, designed as an introduction to an oratorio, opera, or ballet, or as an independent piece; -- called in the latter case a concert overture.

A high and narrow tank, with a central cylinder for the introduction of compressed air, used in the agitation and settling of pulp (pulverized ore and water) during treatment by the cyanide process; -- so named because, though originally devised in New Zealand, it was first practically introduced in Pachuca, Mexico.…