inflammation

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noun in·flam·ma·tion \ ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən \

Definition of inflammation

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

See inflammation defined for English-language learners

See inflammation defined for kids

Examples of inflammation in a Sentence

The drug is used to reduce inflammation.
inflammations of the throat and ears

Recent Examples of inflammation from the Web

On the mound Sox right-hander Miguel Gonzalez returns from the disabled list after recovering from AC joint inflammation in his right shoulder.

— colleen kane, chicagotribune.com, "White Sox try to solve hot Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw," 18 July 2017
Feldman left Monday’s 6-1 loss to the Nationals after just one inning with a right knee inflammation.

— c. trent rosecrans, The Courier-Journal, "Reds place Scott Feldman on DL, call up Sal Romano, Lisalverto Bonilla," 18 July 2017
The rheumatoid arthritis drug etanercept, which inhibits a key cytokine that leads to inflammation, also had no effect.

— jon cohen, Science | AAAS, "A stem cell transplant helped beat back a young doctor’s cancer. Now, it’s assaulting his body," 12 July 2017
At really high altitudes, north of 3,000 meters, the body starts to pump out cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress and reduces inflammation in the airways in brief spurts.

— vann r. newkirk ii, The Atlantic, "How to Beat Asthma," 5 July 2017
All-Star Game as Charlotte's replacement for Nicky Delmonico, who has shoulder inflammation, and Moncada, who will play in the Futures Game.

— colleen kane, chicagotribune.com, "White Sox pitching prospect Jordan Guerrero has masterful month of June," 3 July 2017
These can reduce painful inflammation, but if used repeatedly, steroids can speed the development of arthritis in the joint.

— jane e. brody, New York Times, "What I Wish I’d Known About My Knees," 3 July 2017
The 29-year-old right-hander has been on the disabled list since May 17 with right shoulder inflammation.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "First pitch: Trevor Cahill rejoining Padres rotation Tuesday," 1 July 2017
The Kansas City Royals on Saturday placed pitcher Matt Strahm on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation in his left knee and called up right-handed pitcher Miguel Almonte from AAA Omaha.

— alec mcchesney, kansascity, "Royals pitcher Matt Strahm goes to disabled list with knee inflammation," 1 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inflammation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of inflammation

15th century

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

INFLAMMATION Defined for English Language Learners

inflammation

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noun

Definition of inflammation for English Language Learners

: a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful

INFLAMMATION Defined for Kids

inflammation

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noun in·flam·ma·tion \ ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən \

Definition of inflammation for Students

:a bodily response to injury or disease in which heat, redness, and swelling are present

Medical Dictionary

inflammation

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noun in·flam·ma·tion \ ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən \

medical Definition of inflammation

: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