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

It's suggested that these rashes can be the result of inflammation. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 21 Apr. 2024

Leonard missed the last eight regular-season games with right-knee inflammation. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024

These extra precautions can help prevent sun spots, redness, inflammation, dryness, and swelling from sun exposure. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2024

But granola can contain low quality oils that cause inflammation, along with loads of sugar. —Jessie Shafer, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024

While research on essential oils isn't extensive, some evidence does suggest several may effectively reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin, which may offer benefits to sunburns. —Cathy Wong, Verywell Health, 12 Apr. 2024

The tennis player’s ambitious work on her serve may have injured the muscles of her arm and neck, and the resulting inflammation and swelling were sufficient to slow or even stop the flow of blood on its way back to the heart and lungs from the arm. —Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Use it for a facial lymphatic drainage massage to help reduce puffiness, inflammation, and sinus pressure. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024

The science is sound; ample medical journals and research papers have well-documented the physiological upsides of cold plunges, including reducing inflammation, building stress resilience, increasing pain tolerance, and improving circulation. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflammation

• anti-inflammation

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