rheumatoid arthritis

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, frequently accompanied by marked deformities, and ordinarily associated with manifestations of a general, or systemic, affliction.

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rheumatoid arthritis British  

noun

1. a chronic disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by inflammation and swelling of joints (esp joints in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet), muscle weakness, and fatigue

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rheumatoid arthritis Scientific  

/ ro̅o̅′mə-toid′ /

1. A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive arthritis of several small or medium-sized joints, especially in the hands. Symptoms can include morning stiffness, joint swelling and weakness, and deformity and disability.

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Etymology

Origin of rheumatoid arthritis

First recorded in 1855–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rheumatoid arthritis

But she can't do anything to reduce her £200 council tax bill, or the amount she spends on medicines for her various health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

Cat’s claw has been promoted to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, viral infections and other conditions, according to the integrative health center.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026

“That’s a reality when you live in a rural area where healthcare isn’t available,” said Rosenthal, who suffers from Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026

The researchers examined how depression, smoking, obesity, sleep problems, and other health conditions are connected with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

Soraya told me that, ever since her mother’s stroke, every flutter in her chest was a heart attack, every aching joint the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, and every twitch of the eye another stroke.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

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