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

Other celebrities publicly shared their experience Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ which aids in digestion and regulates the way the body processes sugar. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Because there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the goal is often to reduce inflammation and put your symptoms in remission. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 May 2025

No spa is complete without a massage—book its De-Stress treatment to relieve tension after a long-haul flight, or give cupping a try, which creates a sort of vacuum to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 May 2025

Massage or Heat Therapy: Can occasionally help with inflammation of muscles, especially 24–48 hours after a workout. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 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