anti-inflammatory

American  

[an-tee-in-flam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti ɪnˈflæm əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. acting to reduce certain signs of inflammation, as swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain.

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noun

plural

anti-inflammatories

1. Pharmacology. a medication, as aspirin, used to reduce inflammation.

anti-inflammatory British  

adjective

1. reducing inflammation

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noun

1. any anti-inflammatory drug, such as cortisone, aspirin, or ibuprofen

anti-inflammatory Scientific  

/ ăn′tē-ĭn-flăm′ə-tôr′ē,ăn′tī- /

1. Preventing or reducing inflammation. Aspirin and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Etymology

Origin of anti-inflammatory

First recorded in 1955–60

Explanation

An anti-inflammatory is an anti-inflammatory drug: a type of medicine that treats swelling and redness. Inflammation originally meant to be consumed by flames, and these days it usually means a type of soreness somewhere on your body that is red, feels hot, and and swells up. The anti prefix tells you that this word goes against the root, and anti-inflammatories are drugs that treat or fight against inflammation. If you have a red, swollen ankle, an anti-inflammatory might help.

Example Sentences

Many patients rely on anti-inflammatory medications, but these drugs can carry risks, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

He won one of the first major wrongful-death trials against pharma company Merck over claims that the prescription anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx caused heart problems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Revenue tied to the anti-inflammatory drug Humira, once touted as a major blockbuster, fell 26% to $1.2 billion.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Skyrizi and Rinvoq, AbbVie’s major anti-inflammatory drugs, contributed a larger piece of the pie.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

“Ponya seeds are anti-inflammatory, disinfecting, and, incidentally, an excellent source of protein. Here.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray