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 And the virus’ RNA has been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of COVID patients who developed brain inflammation and damage, as well as in brain tissue during postmortem exams. — Lauren Caruba, ExpressNews.com, "Will COVID-19 have long-term effects on the brain? San Antonio researchers are trying to find out.," 11 Jan. 2021 Zofin uses nanoparticles to reduce inflammation and microRNA to target different genes. — Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, "Long-Haul Covid Patients Put Hope in Experimental Drugs," 21 Dec. 2020 Ginger may help decrease inflammation and relieve congestion. — USA Today, "How to strengthen your immune system this winter," 17 Dec. 2020 The virus can cause a host of serious complications, hijacking other cells and, with pneumonia, causing inflammation and destruction of the lungs, drowning the organs in fluid. — Los Angeles Times, "Southern California is a main driver of state’s record COVID-19 deaths, with no signs of a letup," 10 Dec. 2020 These additions are essential for making the moisturizer friendlier for all skin types as the bacteria in prebiotics and probiotics bolster the skin's barrier to better fight inflammation, environmental damage, and dehydration. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Peach & Lily's Latest Glass Skin Product Has Become My Favorite Winter Moisturizer," 8 Dec. 2020 In people, the virus ultimately kills infected goblet cells, which can trigger a cascade of symptoms, including widespread inflammation and COVID-19’s signature dry cough. — Eleanor Cummins, Science, "Bats, museums, and viruses collide in this scientific love story," 4 Dec. 2020 Even the humble dandelion, which can be used to fight inflammation, tells of the natural healing power of plants. — Jessica Prupas, National Geographic, "These Indigenous women are reshaping Canada’s tourism industry," 30 Nov. 2020 The impact can be serious: Complications of collapsed lungs can include shock, severe inflammation, and fluid in the lungs. — Alice Oglethorpe, Good Housekeeping, "If A Loved One Has COPD, Keep An Eye Out For These Other Health Issues," 18 Nov. 2020

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

26 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Inflammation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflammation. Accessed 28 Jan. 2021.

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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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