noun

inflammation

in-fluh-MAY-shun/ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃn/

A bodily response causing swelling, heat, pain, or redness.

The ankle's swelling and redness show localized inflammation.

A close view of an adult ankle shows localized mild swelling and redness around the outer ankle; one hand gently supports the foot, suggesting tenderness, no wound or gore, no diagrams with labels.

Etymology

inLatinin, into

+flammaLatinto flame

+tionLatinaction or process

The pieces evoke setting something on fire. In the medical sense, that burning image describes the heat and redness of an irritated or injured body part.

In context

WebMD0:51

white blood cells engulf the crystals causing inflammation pain and redness gout attacks usually happen in a single joint

Gout Attack Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Uric Acid Crystals | WebMD

More examples

The infection causes inflammation in his gums.
Ice helps reduce inflammation after a sprain.
Chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissue.

Forms

inflammation · inflammations

inflame verb — Cause tissue to become swollen and irritated.

inflammatory adjective — Causing or involving inflammation in the body.

Similar words

swelling: Names tissue enlargement, not the entire bodily response.
irritation: Emphasizes discomfort or sensitivity, without necessarily involving swelling or heat.