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”; 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

Because the condition involves many overlapping biological changes, including inflammation, protein buildup, and neuron damage, researchers believe a multitarget strategy may prove more effective than focusing on a single pathway alone.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

Researchers found no evidence of widespread brain inflammation in people experiencing lingering symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Based on the findings, researchers suggest that some patients with persistent symptoms may benefit more from treatments focused on stress management and emotional regulation rather than therapies aimed only at reducing inflammation.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

In recent years, scientists have increasingly focused on another possible contributor to depression: inflammation.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

He asked if Joe suffered from gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

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