inflammation
in-fluh-MAY-shun
/ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən/
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.
While often seen as negative, inflammation is actually the body's first step in the healing process.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'inflammare,' meaning 'to set on fire.' This perfectly describes the heat, redness, and 'burning' sensation of an injured area.
Word relationships
- swelling: Swelling is a visible symptom of inflammation, but inflammation also includes heat and redness at a cellular level.
Commonly confused with
- infection: Infection is caused by germs; inflammation is the body's response to damage (which could be from germs or just a hit).
Word family
- inflame (verb): To cause inflammation in a part of the body.
- inflammatory (adjective): Relating to or causing inflammation.
Collocations
- chronic inflammation
- reduce inflammation
- anti-inflammatory drugs
Example sentences
- "The drug helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints." Medical advice on managing an injury.
Memory hook
Inflammation = In-Flame. The area feels like it is on fire. The body's internal fire.
When not to use
Do not use for general pain that doesn't involve swelling or heat.
Fun facts
- The four classic signs of inflammation are heat (calor), pain (dolor), redness (rubor), and swelling (tumor).
Explore more words
inflame, pathogenesis, diagnosis, autoimmune, remedy, cytokine
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