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 medication works by blocking the immune system protein IL-23, which is responsible for inflammation. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 20 June 2024

Simply put, folliculitis is the inflammation of a hair follicle, which manifests as small red bumps that are sometimes pus-filled, Dr. Garshick says. —Melanie Rud, SELF, 19 June 2024

Poteet, who boasts a 2.14 ERA over four starts this season, was set to lose his rotation spot to ace Gerrit Cole, who is scheduled to be activated for his season debut Wednesday after experiencing elbow inflammation in spring training. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 June 2024

Dialing up the brainstem cells’ activity did the opposite: Anti-inflammatory molecules shot up, while levels of pro-inflammatory molecules plummeted, putting a damper on inflammation. —Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 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