inflammatory

[in-flam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. tending to arouse anger, hostility, passion, etc..

   inflammatory speeches.

   Synonyms: provocative, incendiary, fiery

2. Pathology.,  of or caused by inflammation.

inflammatory

/ ɪnˈflæmətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by or caused by inflammation

2. tending to arouse violence, strong emotion, etc

Other Word Forms

• inflammatorily adverb
• noninflammatory adjective
• subinflammatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflammatory¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from Latin inflammāt(us) “kindled” (past participle of inflammāre “to kindle”; inflame ) + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

The team also found that the patch reduced inflammatory signals coming from endothelial cells, which can contribute to further heart damage.

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When blood samples were analyzed, hot-water immersion was the only method that produced an inflammatory response as shown by increases in inflammatory cytokines and specific immune cell populations.

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These molecules attract and activate interferon-responsive T cells, which then intensify the inflammatory activity.

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The research may also shed light on how SerpinB3 contributes to inflammatory diseases, ranging from skin disorders to asthma.

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Excess NET formation has been linked to serious inflammatory and clotting conditions, including severe infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

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Related Words

• incendiary 
• intemperate 
• provocative