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

The organization’s Green Heart Project, which studies the impact of better air quality on heart disease through urban greening, has found that increasing the number of trees and shrubs in an area can create lower levels of a blood marker associated with inflammation. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025

Also known as irritable hip, the condition is due to inflammation of the hip joint lining. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

Urinary Tract Infection A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing infection and inflammation. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025

Dark chocolate delivers flavonoids and antioxidants that improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 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