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

Instead, the better option is to balance it out with foods that aid digestion, soothe inflammation, and keep everything else running on track. —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025

Our sauce includes onions for the heart and immune system, carrots that provide beta carotene for eye health and vitamin C, bell pepper for the immune system and celery with antioxidants that protect cells and reduce inflammation. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025

These healthy fats support cell health and reduce inflammation. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 19 Dec. 2025

However, accumulating evidence over the past two decades demonstrates that a biomarker called C-reactive protein – which signals the presence of low-grade inflammation – is a better predictor of risk for heart disease than cholesterol. —Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

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