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 Plants are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients which help reduce inflammation and support the liver. Hannah Coates, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 The accumulation of fat in the liver causes inflammation, which leads to fibrosis, or liver scarring, and can progress in more advanced stages to cirrhosis, cancer, and the need for a liver transplant. Adam Feuerstein Reprints, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024 Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms, is debilitating at worst and embarrassing at best. Katie Jackson, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2024 Couture missed all of training camp and the first 45 games of the regular season with an often painful and debilitating condition called osteitis pubis, described as inflammation in the joint between a person’s left and right pubic bones. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2024 Plus, inflammation creates an environment that promotes some types of cancer. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Mar. 2024 Zinc is a mineral that boosts the immune system, aids metabolic function, helps reduce inflammation, and maintains the senses of taste and smell. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 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

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 28 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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