anti-inflammatory

adjective

an·​ti-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry ˌan-tē-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē 

ˌan-tī-

variants or less commonly anti-inflammation

ˌan-tē-ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən,

ˌan-tī- 

: counteracting inflammation : used to prevent or reduce inflammation

anti-inflammatory painkillers

anti-inflammatory effects

an anti-inflammation diet

anti-inflammatory noun

plural anti-inflammatories

Examples of anti-inflammatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are a few things to look for when shopping for the best nipple creams: moisturizing ingredients, anti-inflammatory ingredients, safety for babies, and ease of application. —Macaela MacKenzie, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024

Consuming more anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants, like dark leafy green veggies and dark berries, can also help. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024

Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties—possibly from CBD—hemp seeds may also help in the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

This citrus fruit is also low in calories and has antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial benefits.23 13. —Christine Mattheis, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

One of the first organisms that grows in a baby’s gut comes from the genus Bifidobacterium, and some of those bacteria have anti-inflammatory properties, according to David Mills, a microbiologist and professor at the University of California, Davis. —Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 29 Mar. 2024

The medicinal properties of this warm drink include antioxidant-rich black tea, anti-inflammatory cinnamon, throat-coating honey and lemon, and congestion-alleviating bourbon. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024

Turmeric, a natural ingredient recommended by Dr. Bose, has anti-inflammatory properties that will assist with alleviating inflammation. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2024

Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, this product was propelled to the top of our list for its non-greasy formula. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anti-inflammatory

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry -in-ˈflam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

variants also anti-inflammation

-ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən 

: reducing or counteracting inflammation

Ibuprofen was the anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used, but others, including naprosyn, also were taken.

—Laurie McGinley, The Wall Street Journal

Most anti-inflammatory drugs target the arachidonic acid cascade, which produces two major mediators of inflammatory responses, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Nonsteroidal drugs can dam only one side of the cascade—they block production of prostaglandins but leave the leukotrienes unaffected. Steroidal drugs block both routes, but their side effects can make them an undesirable, though sometimes irreplaceable, treatment.

—L. Davis, Science News

A recent boon to the eczema-prone is a growing array of over-the-counter cortisone anti-inflammation applications.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

anti-inflammatory

2 of 2 noun

plural anti-inflammatories

: an anti-inflammatory agent : a drug (as aspirin or ibuprofen) that reduces inflammation

Without anti-inflammatories, gouty attacks subside on their own—but may require several painful weeks, as opposed to the day or two required with anti-inflammatories.

—Harvard Medical School Health Letter