Previous Words
Last 5 days below. Use the calendar to open any past word we have on file.
No earlier words in your history feed yet. When the API returns past dates, they'll show here. You can still use the calendar below for any loaded dates.
Past words — calendar
Dates with a word of the day show a dot under the number. Tap or click a highlighted day to open that word.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simple Meaning
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.
Common Usage
Medical
"The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling."
Biology
"Certain foods are known to have an inflammatory effect on the gut."
Political
"The politician's inflammatory speech sparked widespread protests."
Journalism
"The newspaper published an inflammatory article that stirred up public opinion."
Etymology
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.