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

What may actually be happening is that GLP-1 treatment is improving migraine symptoms by directly targeting both inflammation and weight, instead of just relying on weight loss to manage migraine. —Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026

Rodríguez continues to recover from elbow surgery, while Wilson has been sidelined by lumbar disc inflammation. —Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

Pablo López is out for the season following elbow surgery, and Mick Abel went on the IL in April with right elbow inflammation. —CBS News, 31 May 2026

Two other men from the group were injured and were suffering pain and inflammation on their right side, Mee said, adding that their condition has improved with medication. —Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026

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