inflammation

[in-fluh-mey-shuhn]

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.

inflammation

/ 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

inflammation

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.

inflammation

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

Other Word Forms

• subinflammation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflammation¹

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

Example Sentences

The treatment was considered safe, although some patients did develop inflammation from the virus that caused headaches and confusion that either resolved or needed steroid treatment.

From BBC

Stewart, on the injured list since Aug. 12 with right shoulder inflammation, is expected to pitch Tuesday and Thursday in Triple A before returning to Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

She had perotinitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, often caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

From BBC

Right-hander Brock Stewart, who has missed 25 games with shoulder inflammation, threw a bullpen session last Saturday in Arizona and is expected to throw another Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

Extended exposure to silica dust can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which in turn can lead to more severe pulmonary diseases, according to the American Lung Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infection 
• irritation 
• pain 
• rash 
• sore 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com