Embedment

em·bed  (m-bd) also im·bed (m-)

v. em·bed·ded also im·bed·ded, em·bed·ding also im·bed·ding, em·beds also im·beds

v.tr.

1. To fix firmly in a surrounding mass: embed a post in concrete; fossils embedded in shale.

2. To enclose snugly or firmly.

3. To cause to be an integral part of a surrounding whole: "a minor accuracy embedded in a larger untruth" (Ian Jack).

4. To assign (a journalist) to travel with a military unit during an armed conflict.

5. Biology To enclose (a specimen) in a supporting material before sectioning for microscopic examination.

v.intr.

To become embedded: The harpoon struck but did not embed.

n. (mbd)

One that is embedded, especially a journalist who is assigned to an active military unit.

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em·bedment n.