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

Fast-forward to today, and patients have access to a range of medications that reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and protect the ocular surface. —Julie Loffredi, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The team placed Brock Stewart on the injured list Tuesday with shoulder inflammation after just four appearances with the team, further destabilizing a group that is banking on quite a few lottery tickets. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025

TikTokers say papaya seeds can reduce inflammation and potentially have anti-parasitic properties. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2025

Stephenson has been out for more than two months with what the Angels are calling bicep inflammation. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025

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