arthritis

American  

[ahr-thrahy-tis] / ɑrˈθraɪ tɪs /

noun

1. acute or chronic inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain and structural changes and having diverse causes, as infection, crystal deposition, or injury.

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arthritis British  

/ ɑːˈθraɪtɪs, ɑːˈθrɪtɪk /

noun

1. inflammation of a joint or joints characterized by pain and stiffness of the affected parts, caused by gout, rheumatic fever, etc See also rheumatoid arthritis

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arthritis Scientific  

/ är-thrī′tĭs /

1. Acute or chronic inflammation of one or more joints, usually accompanied by pain and stiffness, resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, autoimmune disease, or other causes.

2. See also osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis

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arthritis Cultural  

1. The inflammation of tissues in the joints (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), usually resulting in pain and stiffness.

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Usage

Rather than talking about an arthritic or arthritics , it is better to talk about a person with arthritis and people with arthritis

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• arthritic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of arthritis

First recorded in 1535–45; from New Latin, from Greek: “gout,” from árthr(on) “joint” ( see arthro-) + -ītis -itis

Compare meaning

How does arthritis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• rheumatism vs. arthritis

Explanation

Arthritis is a painful condition in which your joints swell and stiffen. It is common in older people, although it can affect anyone, including athletes who've injured knees, ankles, and hips. There are said to be more than 100 types of arthritis. It can be a side-effect of aging; typically your cartilage — the tissue that acts as a padding around the joints — becomes stiffer and wears away. On the other hand, younger people can be affected through infections, injury, or obesity. Doctors do not yet know why some people get arthritis and others don't. Even great athletes like Michael Jordan had to deal with arthritis when they got older: it's common.

Example Sentences

The study found that a one year course of the biologic drug abatacept significantly delayed the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, with benefits continuing long after treatment ended.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Although several treatments are available for people who already have rheumatoid arthritis, no approved therapy currently exists to prevent the disease in people who are known to be at high risk.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

In rare circumstances, Salmonella can result in severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Many people living with arthritis struggle with pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that can significantly affect daily life.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Nels, as best he could—he had arthritis in his hips and knees—made his way to the witness stand.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson