anti-inflammatory

adjective

an·​ti-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry ˌan-tē-in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce anti-inflammatory (audio)
ˌan-tī-
variants or less commonly anti-inflammation
ˌan-tē-ˌin-flə-ˈmā-shən,
ˌan-tī- How to pronounce anti-inflammatory (audio)
: counteracting inflammation : used to prevent or reduce inflammation
anti-inflammatory painkillers
anti-inflammatory effects
an anti-inflammation diet
anti-inflammatory noun
plural anti-inflammatories

Examples of anti-inflammatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Melipona honey is slightly sour, more watery than other honey and was eaten for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties more than its flavor, according to the outlet. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024 But for people with a higher likelihood of heart problems, the risk of atrial fibrillation is counterbalanced by the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, and triglyceride-lowering benefits of omega-3 fats, which tend to protect the heart and lower the risk of coronary events. Alice Park, TIME, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for anti-inflammatory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anti-inflammatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anti-inflammatory was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near anti-inflammatory

Cite this Entry

“Anti-inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-inflammatory. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Medical Definition

anti-inflammatory

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti-in·​flam·​ma·​to·​ry -in-ˈflam-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce anti-inflammatory (audio)
variants also anti-inflammation
: reducing or counteracting inflammation
Ibuprofen was the anti-inflammatory drug most commonly used, but others, including naprosyn, also were taken.Laurie McGinley, The Wall Street Journal
Most anti-inflammatory drugs target the arachidonic acid cascade, which produces two major mediators of inflammatory responses, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Nonsteroidal drugs can dam only one side of the cascade—they block production of prostaglandins but leave the leukotrienes unaffected. Steroidal drugs block both routes, but their side effects can make them an undesirable, though sometimes irreplaceable, treatment.L. Davis, Science News
A recent boon to the eczema-prone is a growing array of over-the-counter cortisone anti-inflammation applications.Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

anti-inflammatory

2 of 2 noun
plural anti-inflammatories
: an anti-inflammatory agent : a drug (as aspirin or ibuprofen) that reduces inflammation
Without anti-inflammatories, gouty attacks subside on their own—but may require several painful weeks, as opposed to the day or two required with anti-inflammatories.Harvard Medical School Health Letter

More from Merriam-Webster on anti-inflammatory

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