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

These cells can get larger and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, causing pain, inflammation and scar tissue.

From BBC

There are many ways dirty air can harm the other organs of our body, but triggering inflammation is thought to be the main one.

From BBC

Roughly 20 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis eventually develop painful joint inflammation.

From Science Daily

GSK said Wednesday that it had double-digit percentage growth in its immunology and inflammation, oncology and HIV portfolios throughout the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

The immune system may respond with inflammation, which can worsen depressive symptoms.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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