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

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people each year and can occur in many different joints throughout the body.

From Science Daily • Jun. 23, 2026

Osteoarthritis primarily damages hyaline cartilage, also called articular cartilage.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness, typically affects older people, but can strike at any age.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2025

For the study, researchers analyzed data from 666 individuals who participated in the Osteoarthritis Initiative who were not yet affected by osteoarthritis, based on imaging.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2024