rheumatoid arthritis

noun Pathology.

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.

Nearby words

rheumatics, rheumatid, rheumatism, rheumatism-root, rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid factor, rheumatoid nodule, rheumatoid spondylitis, rheumatologist, rheumatology

Origin of rheumatoid arthritis

First recorded in 1855–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rheumatoid arthritis

Abbott, a global health-care company, produces everything from feeding tubes to rheumatoid-arthritis medication.
Romney's Health-Care Portfolio|Laura Colarusso|August 16, 2011|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

n.

A chronic, inflammatory arthritis, commonly involving the hands and feet, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and weakness that can lead to deformity and disability. arthritis deformans

Science definitions for rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

[ rōō′mə-toid′ ]

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.