inflammation

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

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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

Her doctors diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sometimes called wet lung, an inflammation of the lungs due to an allergic reaction to chemicals or dust.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Teen develops 'wet lung' after vaping for just 3 weeks," 17 May 2018
This could be a symptom of a serious eye problem like a deep injury to your cornea or keratitis, an inflammation of your cornea that can lead to permanent vision damage if left untreated.

— korin miller, SELF, "Here’s When You Really Need to See a Doctor About That Eye Irritation," 10 May 2018
Among chronic, recreational users, ketamine has been linked with brain lesions, persistent hallucinations, and a strange inflammation of the bladder that, at its worst, requires removal of the organ.

— moises velasquez-manoff, WIRED, "Ketamine Stirs Up Hope—and Controversy—as a Depression Drug," 8 May 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control, viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Cheviot school closed for cleaning due to student illnesses," 26 Apr. 2018
The inflammation of the pancreas can result from heavy alcohol use, smoking & obesity.

— gil kaufman, Billboard, "Avicii Suffered From Pancreatitis -- What is It?," 24 Apr. 2018
McCain, 81, underwent surgery more than a week ago at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis, an inflammation of the digestive tract.

— john wagner, BostonGlobe.com, "Senator McCain discharged from hospital, returns to Arizona home," 24 Apr. 2018
High triglyceride levels are also linked to type 2 diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, and other diseases.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "MediciNova says new liver drug shows promise and speeds up tests," 3 Apr. 2018
Rare but serious complications can include inflammation of the brain, deafness, or sterility.

— rita giordano, Philly.com, "Mumps outbreaks reported in Philadelphia region; most linked to Delaware dance party," 28 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Medicine Terms

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

INFLAMMATION Defined for English Language Learners

inflammation

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

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

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