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

Red blood may be a sign of hemorrhoids, diverticulosis (small pouches in the colon), and more, while black or tarry feces can be a sign of internal bleeding in the colon, small intestine or stomach—and is linked to cancer, ulcers and inflammation. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026

Other children are developing severe and irreversible neurological damage because of brain inflammation, or encephalitis, Shirey said. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

Lean proteins and healthy fats support immune health and lower inflammation in the mouth and the body. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

Lean proteins and healthy fats support immune health and lower inflammation in the mouth and body. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

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