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

Chung hopes this work will contribute to understanding why ovarian function is among the first to decline with age and reveal generalizable principles of inflammation and wound healing. — Rachel Martin, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

That could result in unexpected and negative reactions from your body such as inflammation and disruption of your hormones. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

So wouldn’t that lack of depth, Rodríguez’s restrictions, and injuries to Carlos Rodón (elbow inflammation) and Max Fried (elbow bone bruise) make starting pitching another deadline priority for the Yankees? — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026

The Biomat Health SoundBed runs roughly $2,450 to $3,980 and is marketed for easing pain, boosting circulation and reducing inflammation. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 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