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”; inflame ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Last year Glasnow was placed on the injured list because of right shoulder inflammation at the end of April and did not pitch again until just before the All-Star Break.

From Los Angeles Times

In psoriasis, for example, an excessive buildup of immune cells in the skin drives ongoing inflammation and skin damage.

From Science Daily

Long-lasting, low-grade inflammation is known to contribute to many conditions associated with aging, including heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline.

From Science Daily

Over time, chronic inflammation can damage cells and cause genetic changes that lead to cancer.

From Science Daily

Their lungs showed extensive inflammation and high levels of virus.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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