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

See Examples For:

osteoarthritis

Despite the common belief that running damages the knees, running can be part of an active lifestyle aimed at lowering osteoarthritis risk.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

"Other common treatments for knee osteoarthritis include strengthening the thigh muscles, using knee braces, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting cortisone and other injections, and sometimes having knee replacement surgery."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

"Women, older adults, people with a prior knee injury and those with a family history of osteoarthritis are also more likely to have the condition."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

"And while it's true that osteoarthritis can run in families, it doesn't mean there's nothing a person can do to successfully lower their risk of developing it."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 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 James J. (James Joseph) Walsh