Definition

A response of the body to injury or infection, which causes redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

Example

The doctor explained that inflammation is a natural part of the healing process.

Conversation

I had to go to the doctor because of some swelling in my knee.

Oh no! Did they say it was inflammation?

Yeah, they mentioned it could be from overuse.

That makes sense; you should definitely take it easy for a while.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inflammation → It is formed from "in-" (meaning in or into) and "flammare" (meaning to flame or set on fire). The word describes a condition where the body reacts with heat and swelling, as if it were on fire.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'set on fire' ('flammare') inside the body, which is why inflammation means a reaction that causes heat and swelling.

Visually Confused Words