Inflammatory
/ɪnˈflæməntəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or causing inflammation in the body.
/ɪnˈflæməntəri/
Causing or characterized by inflammation, especially of a body part.
The patient's inflammatory response to the injury was quite strong.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a cut – your body's defense system kicks in, causing swelling and redness around the wound. Inflammatory means it's related to this process, the body's way of fighting back.
👶 For kids: When something is inflammatory, it means it can make a part of your body become red, swollen, and hurt a little bit, like when you get a boo-boo.
More Examples
Excessive consumption of processed foods can lead to inflammatory conditions.
Researchers are studying the role of inflammatory markers in various diseases.
How It's Used
"The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling."
"Certain foods are known to have an inflammatory effect on the gut."
Tending to arouse anger, hostility, or strong emotion.
/ɪnˈflæməntəri/
Arousing or intended to arouse angry or violent feelings.
The website's inflammatory content was criticized by many.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone says something that really gets you angry or makes you want to argue. Inflammatory describes words or actions that are designed to get that reaction out of people – to stir them up.
👶 For kids: If something is inflammatory, it's like words or actions that make people really, really angry or upset.
More Examples
The author was accused of writing inflammatory remarks that were intended to cause division.
The media often avoids presenting inflammatory headlines.
How It's Used
"The politician's inflammatory speech sparked widespread protests."
"The newspaper published an inflammatory article that stirred up public opinion."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A group of conditions in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed.
"People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often experience chronic inflammation in their gut."
From Late Latin *īnflammātōrius*, from *īnflammō* ('to set on fire, inflame'), from *flamma* ('flame'). The word entered English in the 16th century, initially referring to literal fire and later extending to figurative uses.
Used in medical contexts since the 16th century to describe the body's reaction to injury or disease, and later extended to figurative use.
Memory tip
Think of a fire causing inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Word Origin
"to set on fire, inflame"