reddened

Reddened is the past participle and adjective form of the verb redden. It describes something that has become red or has been made red. The form is derived by adding the suffix -en to the adjective red to form the verb redden, and by adding -ed to produce the past participle reddened. In everyday use, reddened describes surfaces or features that show a reddish color change.

In medical and physiological contexts, redness is called erythema, and a reddened area indicates increased blood flow or inflammation. Causes include sun exposure and sunburn, friction or irritation, allergic reactions, dermatitis, infection, trauma, and certain systemic conditions. The degree of reddening can range from faint pink to intense red and may be accompanied by warmth, swelling, or pain. Reddened skin can be transient or persistent, depending on the underlying cause and treatment.

Reddened is also used in nonmedical descriptions, such as reddened cheeks in embarrassment or exertion, reddened eyes from irritation, and leaves or fruit that redden due to pigment changes. The term appears in clinical notes, everyday narration, and literature, where it provides a concise descriptor of a color change. While it often signals irritation or activity, context—such as accompanying symptoms or environmental factors—helps determine its interpretation.