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

Skin rashes and bleeding from the gums or nose may occur, and in severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis—inflammation of the brain and its membranes—may develop. —Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

In this condition, the body makes too many mast cells, a type of immune cell that triggers inflammation. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 20 Dec. 2024

Although some types of inflammation are critical to keeping your body healthy and preventing illness, chronic or long-term inflammation is associated with several diseases, such as certain cancers and heart disease. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

After 16 weeks, the participants experienced a 50% reduction in their fecal calprotectin levels—a measure of inflammation in a stool sample—and 50% of those with Crohn’s disease achieved clinical remission while 33% of those with ulcerative colitis did. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 10 Dec. 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