osteoarthritis

American  

[os-tee-oh-ahr-thrahy-tis] / ˌɒs ti oʊ ɑrˈθraɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring after middle age, marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

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osteoarthritis British  

/ ˌɒstɪəʊɑːˈθrɪtɪk, ˌɒstɪəʊɑːˈθraɪtɪs /

noun

1. Also called: degenerative joint disease.  chronic inflammation of the joints, esp those that bear weight, with pain and stiffness

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osteoarthritis Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ō-är-thrī′tĭs /

1. A form of arthritis, occurring mainly in older people, that is characterized by chronic degeneration of the cartilage of the joints.

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Other Word Forms

• osteoarthritic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteoarthritis

First recorded in 1875–80; osteo- + arthritis

Example Sentences

In contrast, untreated animals showed 15-PGDH levels that were about twice as high as those of uninjured mice and developed osteoarthritis within four weeks.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

The findings raise the possibility that damaged cartilage caused by aging or osteoarthritis could one day be repaired with either a local injection or an oral medication.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

Eli Lilly’s Foundayo pill showed significant weight loss in menopausal women, and retatrutide improved osteoarthritis pain and sleep apnea.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The same drug also was associated with improvements in osteoarthritis pain, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

One form of this, commonly seen in old men, called osteoarthritis, is often confined to the hip joint, and often produces considerable deformity.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)