inflammation

noun

in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue

2

: the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed

Examples of inflammation in a Sentence

The drug is used to reduce inflammation.

inflammations of the throat and ears

Recent Examples on the Web

Use it for a facial lymphatic drainage massage to help reduce puffiness, inflammation, and sinus pressure. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024

The science is sound; ample medical journals and research papers have well-documented the physiological upsides of cold plunges, including reducing inflammation, building stress resilience, increasing pain tolerance, and improving circulation. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Physicians may also decide that people who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease may benefit from other features of statins or other medications, such as their ability to reduce inflammation. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

Perez’s initial diagnosis was mild elbow inflammation. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024

Cancer For the longest time, CBD has been helpful amongst cancer patients, reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy as well as some of the symptoms of cancer, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, inflammation, and trouble sleeping. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Look after your teeth Look after your teeth; gum disease, an indicator of chronic inflammation, is increasingly linked to a wide range of health problems, from Alzheimer’s to heart disease and diabetes. —Kathleen Baird-Murray, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024

Some of the highlights include a full-body red light therapy that uses low-level laser technology to relieve muscle tension and joint pain and fight inflammation; a bamboo massage; and a natural resilience facial using a variety of detoxifying and sculpting techniques. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2024

Research has shown capsaicin might reduce pain, protect cells against damage, and decrease inflammation. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflammation

• anti-inflammation

Kids Definition

inflammation

noun

in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed

2

: a bodily response to injury in which heat, redness, pain, swelling, and more than the usual amount of blood are present in the area affected

Medical Definition

inflammation

noun

in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən 

: a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue