inflammation

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

Examples of inflammation in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web This results in the reduction of prostaglandins, which play a key role in pain and inflammation. — sun-sentinel.com, "NSAIDs: How dangerous are they for your heart?," 23 Oct. 2019 The horse had tested positive for an above-legal level of phenylbutazone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, or NSAID, used to treat pain and inflammation. — Los Angeles Times, "The Sports Report: The Angels have a new manager," 17 Oct. 2019 Corticosteroid injections are often given to reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. — Jacqueline Stenson, NBC News, "Common joint pain treatment may be more harmful than thought," 15 Oct. 2019 Even though marijuana is not recognized by the Federal Drug Administration as a medicine, the National Institutes of Health recognizes chemicals derived from the plant can help increase appetite, decrease pain, inflammation and nausea. — Sandra Woien, The Conversation, "Should investors buy marijuana stocks?," 29 Aug. 2019 Sandoval received a cortisone shot in his elbow and a MRI on Sunday, but the injection did little to mask the persistent pain and inflammation the switch-hitting infielder is forced to deal with. — Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "Pablo Sandoval’s elbow injury a crushing blow to Giants team that needs his energy," 14 Aug. 2019 Drummond has missed two consecutive games due to left eye inflammation, a by-product of an allergic reaction to eating an avocado in Mexico City last week. — Dana Gauruder, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin both making progress toward a return," 17 Dec. 2019 Severely dry skin can lead to microscopic cracks in the outer skin layer, leading to loss of hydration, redness, inflammation, and itching. — Stephanie Saltzman, Allure, "7 Dry-Skin Mistakes You're Probably Still Making in the Winter, According to Dermatologists," 15 Dec. 2019 But when the scientists simulated lymphedema by treating the vessels on the chip with molecules that signal inflammation, integrin alpha-5 became active and signaled cellular junctions to tighten and prevent the flow of lymph fluid. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "Lymph vessels on a chip reveal possible new drug target for lymphedema," 13 Dec. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near inflammation

inflammatory bowel disease

Statistics for inflammation

Last Updated

14 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Inflammation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflammation. Accessed 21 January 2020.

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More Definitions for inflammation

inflammation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of inflammation

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

See the full definition for inflammation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inflammation

noun

in·flam·ma·tion | \ ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən

Kids Definition of inflammation

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

inflammation

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

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