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

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
Once Farrell exited, the Royals turned to left-hander Matt Strahm, who survived an inning before exiting with left knee inflammation.

— rustin dodd, kansascity.com, "Royals erase deficit and power past Twins in 11-6 victory", 1 July 2017
But the main issues are inflammation and oxidative stress.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "18 Expert-Tested Ways to Prevent a Hangover", 28 June 2017
The children had abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, along with gut inflammation visible under a microscope.

— meredith wadman, Science | AAAS, "The rogue protein behind Parkinson’s disease may also protect your gut", 27 June 2017
After sitting out nearly two months with shoulder inflammation, Hernandez will return to the starting rotation vs. the Astros on Friday.

— matt calkins, The Seattle Times, "This is the time for Mariners to make their move", 20 June 2017
According to Valdés, the most groundbreaking part of his research is the ability to pinpoint neurodegenerative drivers that cause the disease, like inflammation.

— samantha j. gross, miamiherald, "Alzheimer’s bike ride to focus on possible treatments of disease", 20 June 2017
There's a link, too, between heroin and opioid use disorder and hepatitis C, with patients about nine times as likely as others to the bloodborne disease that leads to inflammation of the liver.

— terry demio, Cincinnati.com, "Kentucky has most opioid-dependent patients with private insurance", 19 June 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