inflation

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfleɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action of inflating something or the condition of being inflated: the inflation of a balloon the gross inflation of salaries
  • Astronomy (in some theories of cosmology) a very brief exponential expansion of the universe postulated to have interrupted the standard linear expansion shortly after the Big Bang.
  • 2 Economics a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money: policies aimed at controlling inflation tax allowances and excise duties were increased in line with inflation a reduction in annual inflation from 84 per cent to 7 per cent [as modifier]: high inflation rates

Derivatives

inflationism

noun

inflationist

noun & adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'the condition of being inflated with a gas'): from Latin inflatio(n-), from inflare 'blow in to' (see inflate). inflation (sense 2) dates from the mid 19th century