inflammation

noun

in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
Synonyms of inflammationnext
1
: a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue
2
: the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed

Examples of inflammation in a Sentence

The drug is used to reduce inflammation. inflammations of the throat and ears
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The retailer’s guide adds that untreated dry eye can lead to inflammation or infection. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Some experiments also indicate improvement in markers of inflammation, though, here, as with many areas, the findings are not conclusive, says Lee. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The participants with high-fever symptoms also tended to have greater gut inflammation than their peers. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflammation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflammation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing inflammation

Rhymes for inflammation

See All Rhymes for inflammation

Browse Nearby Words

inflammable cinnabar
inflammation
inflammative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflammation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflammation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inflammation

noun
in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
1
: the act of inflaming : the state of being inflamed
2
: a bodily response to injury in which heat, redness, pain, swelling, and more than the usual amount of blood are present in the area affected

Medical Definition

inflammation

noun
in·​flam·​ma·​tion ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce inflammation (audio)
: a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on inflammation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inflammation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflammation

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