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

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

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The drug did not completely stop rheumatoid arthritis from developing.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Researchers are testing the drug’s efficacy in patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis, also known as D2T RA; the treatment is delivered as a subcutaneous injection once a week.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

IMVT-1402, for rheumatoid arthritis, showed nearly 73% of patients achieved at least 20% improvement in trials.

From Barron's • May 20, 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