Inflammation (noun)

1. A local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocyte infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue.
2. Irritation or infection of a bodily part.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin inflammatio(n-), from inflammare "set alight", from in- "in" + flamma "flame".

Examples:

1. The doctor diagnosed the redness and swelling as inflammation of the joint.
2. The cut on her finger became red and swollen, indicating an inflammation.
3. Inflammation in the gut can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.
4. The study found a link between inflammation and heart disease.
5. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.