Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent – such as water, oil, or alcohol –, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time. "Infusion" is also the name for the resultant fluid mixture. The process of infusion is distinct from both decoction, a method of extraction involving boiling the plant material, and percolation, in which water is passed through the material.