inflammation

American  

[in-fluh-mey-shuhn] / ˌɪn fləˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Pathology. redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat, and disturbed function of an area of the body, especially as a reaction of tissues to injurious agents.

2. the act or fact of inflaming.

3. the state of being inflamed.

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inflammation British  

/ ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. the reaction of living tissue to injury or infection, characterized by heat, redness, swelling, and pain

2. the act of inflaming or the state of being inflamed

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inflammation Scientific  

/ ĭn′flə-mā′shən /

1. The reaction of a part of the body to injury or infection, characterized by swelling, heat, redness, and pain. The process includes increased blood flow with an influx of white blood cells and other chemical substances that facilitate healing.

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inflammation Cultural  

1. The response of tissue to injury or infection. Pain, heat, redness, and swelling are the four basic symptoms of inflammation.

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Other Word Forms

• subinflammation noun

Etymology

Origin of inflammation

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin inflammātiōn-, stem of inflammātiō, from inflammāt(us) “kindled” (past participle of inflammāre “to kindle”; see inflame) + -iō -ion

Explanation

An inflammation means "setting something on fire." Maybe it's a political movement that suddenly takes hold, romantic feelings, the heat making your shoes feel tight, or someone lighting a campfire. Inflammation comes from the root inflame, from the Latin word inflammare meaning "to set on fire with passion." That meaning sounds pretty good, but an inflammation on your face, like a terrible rash, probably isn't going to inflame anyone's passion, at least until the swelling goes down. It probably also causes pain and discomfort.

Example Sentences

In April 2024, I had a minor surgical procedure to deal with patches of inflammation on the inside of my bladder.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

The guideline came from Paltrow’s years of conversations with functional doctors and nutritionists, where she asked questions like, “What are the allergens that tend to cause the most inflammation in people?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

He said other methods for treating Alzheimer's disease – such as targeting inflammation in the brain - now needed to be explored.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

If left untreated, this inflammation can progress into chronic periodontitis, leading to gum recession and tooth loss.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

He asked if Joe suffered from gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• infection
• irritation
• pain
• rash
• sore
• tenderness