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

The condition has been linked to inflammation in the lungs that narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult.

From Science Daily

The researchers note that several of the preservatives linked to cancer risk may affect immune function and inflammation.

From Science Daily

Encephalitis, a sometimes-fatal condition that causes inflammation of the brain, may occur in severe cases.

From BBC

Drugs designed to block TL1A have shown strong results in clinical trials for IBD, but scientists had not fully understood how this protein drives inflammation and cancer development.

From Science Daily

But scientists have also linked Alzheimer's to many other factors, including tau proteins, lysosomes, chronic inflammation, immune cells called microglia, and additional biological processes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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