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Synonyms

arthritic

American  
[ahr-thrit-ik] / ɑrˈθrɪt ɪk /

adjective

  1. relating to, having, or experiencing arthritis.

  2. creaky, slow-moving, misshapen, etc., as if affected with arthritis: The road was overhung with what looked like arthritic trees, warped and bent to the whims of the wind.

    The next few days passed at the speed of an arthritic tortoise.

    The road was overhung with what looked like arthritic trees, warped and bent to the whims of the wind.


noun

  1. a person with arthritis.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of arthritic

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin arthrīticus, from Greek arthrītikós; replacing Middle English artetik, from Old French artetique, from Latin, as above; see arthr-, -itic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Barney had previously visited Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, external, who starred in The Supervet, on a number of occasions, including to treat his arthritic joints.

From BBC Aug. 4, 2026

Vonn had retired in 2019, her body battered by repeated crashes, her right knee arthritic.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 5, 2026

“This is like a big bon voyage to my old arthritic hip,” he told O’Brien.

From Salon Nov. 4, 2025

Except for my arthritic hip — a byproduct of years of basketball — I feel fine.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 6, 2024

Now thirteen years old, he’s gone white in the muzzle and hobbles around with an arthritic limp.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

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