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

“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 definition is now used worldwide not only for rheumatoid arthritis, but also in discussions of other diseases.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

Used to treat serious conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, biologic drugs account for a growing portion of U.S. drug spending.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Bass said she has postponed injections for rheumatoid arthritis and an MRI scan because she didn’t have enough to pay the estimate in advance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

It is what physicians must now do for patients with intractable cancer, severe rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and advanced cirrhosis.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

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