inflammation

noun

in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
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 Moreover, these healthy fats reduce inflammation and protect against UV damage, two key factors in aging skin. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 To combat this, Bosley MD’s formula contains pumpkin seed extract and saw palmetto, both natural DHT blockers, along with rosemary oil to curb damaging scalp inflammation. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 The soak is infused with mustard seed and rosemary and is rich in magnesium, selenium and antioxidants, a bath elixir that we’re told helps relieve pain and inflammation while boosting the immune system and promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Ben Davidson, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Men who are struggling with redness, razor burn or other inflammatory skin conditions might use a skin-soothing serum that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce inflammation and redness. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 High levels of niacin, an essential B vitamin, may raise the risk of heart disease by triggering inflammation and damaging blood vessels, according to new research. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 Possible safety signals for transverse myelitis — spinal cord inflammation — after viral-vector vaccines were identified in the study. Jason Gale, Fortune Well, 19 Feb. 2024 Infections, some kinds of cancer, and some medications can also cause a condition called nephritis, or inflammation of the nephrons, that can quickly lead to kidney failure. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Celebrated for its healing properties, it has historically been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain as well as promote relaxation and stimulate circulation. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflammation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflammation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflammation

Cite this Entry

“Inflammation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflammation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflammation

noun
in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
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 How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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