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

Turmeric may help reduce inflammation but doesn't reliably boost immunity. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2026

Powered by 1% colloidal extract, this helps to calm itchiness, irritation, and inflammation—while a soothing complex reduces redness. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2026

Frequent stress affects every system in your body, resulting in negative health outcomes that range in severity from muscle tension to heart stress and inflammation. —Currie Engel, Health, 4 Jan. 2026

Among Korean dermatologists, exosomes are discussed less as a miracle ingredient and more as a tool for inflammation recovery, post-procedure healing, and texture refinement. —Charlotte Cho, Allure, 3 Jan. 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