inflammation

Everyday

1. Inflammation is when part of the body becomes red, swollen, hot and painful, usually because it is hurt or fighting an infection. tree →
2. Inflammation is the body's own defence reaction that brings extra blood and helper cells to a damaged place. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science lessons inflammation is explained as the immune system at work: a sprained ankle or an infected cut swells. Many illness names ending in «-itis» mean inflammation: tonsillitis, appendicitis, conjunctivitis. Phrases: «inflammation of», «reduce inflammation», «signs of inflammation».

Examples

• My sprained ankle showed inflammation, so I put ice on it. tree →
• Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. tree →
• Redness and swelling are signs of inflammation. tree →
• The doctor gave her medicine to reduce the inflammation. tree →
• Inflammation is the body's way of protecting itself. tree →
• A bee sting causes inflammation around the spot. tree →
• But one of the tree’s prickles pierced his finger and caused great pain and inflammation, so that the young Prince fell down in a fainting fit. tree →

Note

Spelled «inflammation» with two «m»s, but the adjective is «inflammatory» and the verb «inflame». Not the same as «inflammable» (catches fire easily). The ending «-itis» in medicine means inflammation.

In Jewish tradition

A disease listed among the punishments for breaking God's commandments in Deuteronomy.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the curses as warnings of what happens if Israel leaves the covenant.

Examples

• The LORD will smite thee with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with drought, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish. (Torah DEU.28.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelled «inflammation» with two «m»s, but the adjective is «inflammatory» and the verb «inflame». Not the same as «inflammable» (catches fire easily). The ending «-itis» in medicine means inflammation.