inflammation

[in-fluh-mey-shuhn]

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.

inflammation

/ 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

inflammation

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.

inflammation

1. The response of tissue to injury or infection. Pain, heat, redness, and swelling are the four basic symptoms of inflammation.

Other Word Forms

• subinflammation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflammation¹

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

Extended exposure to silica dust can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which in turn can lead to more severe pulmonary diseases, according to the American Lung Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

Brock Stewart, sidelined since Aug. 12 with shoulder inflammation, has resumed throwing after getting a cortisone shot.

From Los Angeles Times

In rare cases chicken pox can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis; an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis; and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and - very rarely - death.

From BBC

In rare cases it can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis, and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and, in very rare cases, death.

From BBC

After going on the injured list July 6 with left elbow inflammation, he tried three injections and non-invasive rehab procedures, but nothing seemed to work.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• infection 
• irritation 
• pain 
• rash 
• sore 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com