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

The 55-year-old said the zip ties were so tight the pain caused his gastritis — an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause burning pain and nausea — to flare up. —Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026

That’s because the microbes in your gastrointestinal tract convert resistant starch into compounds that reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases, strengthen your overall gut health and lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. —Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

Curry has dealt with injuries this season, missing 11 games this season, including Monday’s matchup in Minnesota with inflammation of that same right knee. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

The animal also received supportive care, including steroids, to address inflammation and weakness. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflammation

• anti-inflammation

Rhymes for inflammation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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