inflammation

American  

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

noun

inflammations plural

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

Derived Forms

• subinflammation
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• inflammations
  plural

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

Inflammation has been implicated in many health problems, including dementia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Inflammation can play a central role even without obesity, and fish oil may help reveal how that hidden process can be changed.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism that protects us from infection and injury.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

Inflammation decreased, cellular function improved, and no harmful effects appeared.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Inflammation may even be present without redness, as may be constantly observed in the occurrence of parenchymatous inflammation and of the chronic interstitial varieties.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Related Words

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