inflammation
/,inflə'meiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The doctor explained that the redness and swelling were signs of inflammation.
Definition
- Noun:
- A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes red, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection. This is the primary medical meaning, describing a fundamental biological response.
- The act of setting something on fire; ignition. This is a formal or literary meaning.
- The state of being emotionally aroused, excited, or agitated. This meaning describes intense feelings.
Usage and Examples
- Medical Context (Most Common):
- The doctor diagnosed the redness and warmth in her ankle as inflammation.
- Chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases.
- Literal Meaning (Setting Fire):
- The inflammation of the ceremonial torch marked the start of the games. (Formal/Literary)
- Emotional State:
- The politician's speech caused widespread inflammation among the crowd.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- In medical terminology, inflammation is a core part of the body's immune response. It is not an infection itself but a reaction to one, as well as to injuries, toxins, or other irritants.
- The five classic signs of inflammation are: heat (), redness (), swelling (), pain (), and loss of function ().
Variants and Related Words
- Inflame (verb): To provoke or intensify strong feelings, or to cause inflammation.
- His comments served only to inflame the situation.
- The chemical can inflame the skin.
- Inflammatory (adjective):
- Relating to or causing inflammation.
- An inflammatory condition.
- Tending to arouse anger, hostility, or strong public feeling.
- An inflammatory remark.
- Anti-inflammatory (noun/adjective): A substance or treatment that reduces inflammation.
- She took an anti-inflammatory for her sore knee.
Synonyms
- Medical: Swelling, soreness, redness.
- Emotional: Agitation, excitement, fervor, arousal.
- Literal: Ignition, kindling, combustion.
Antonyms
- Medical: Healing, reduction, soothing.
- Emotional: Calmness, peace, tranquility.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- While there are no direct idioms using "inflammation," the related adjective is common.
- "Inflammatory language/rhetoric": Speech or writing that is likely to provoke strong public anger or disorder.
- The leader was accused of using inflammatory rhetoric.
The doctor explained that the redness and swelling were signs of inflammation.
Noun
- the act of setting something on fire
- arousal to violent emotion
- the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
- his face was flushed with excitement and his hands trembled
- he tried to calm those who were in a state of extreme inflammation
- a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat