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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rheumatoid arthritis

The findings help explain how OL acts on rheumatoid arthritis at the molecular level.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026

For Vaknine, a holistic wellness coach who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 2, selling their home and traveling the world carries even deeper meaning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

Experts say the approach could potentially treat similar disorders including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026

People who are at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis often experience challenges even before receiving a diagnosis.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 1, 2026

The survival mechanism has become the enemy, as in such illnesses as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis that can attack organs, joints, even the brain.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel