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rheumatology

American  
[roo-muh-tol-uh-jee] / ˌru məˈtɒl ə dʒi /

noun

  1. the study and treatment of rheumatic diseases.


rheumatology British  
/ ˌruːməˈtɒlədʒɪ, ˌruːmətəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

  1. the branch of medicine concerned with the study of rheumatic diseases

"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

Other Word Forms

  • rheumatological adjective
  • rheumatologist noun

Etymology

Origin of rheumatology

1940–45; rheumat(ic) + -o- ( def. ) + -logy ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A separate, earlier investigation into the deaths of 182 rheumatology patients in Jersey since 2019 was called after an independent review was highly critical of the service.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

This new work builds on research led by the late Samuel Strober, MD, PhD, a professor of immunology and rheumatology, and his colleagues, including study co-author and professor of medicine Judith Shizuru, MD, PhD.

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2025

Since then, one rheumatology clinic that has used the platform to appeal hundreds of denials reported a 73% success rate, Shah said.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 21, 2025

Even though a link between low temperature and pain has not been proven, Dr. Timothy E. McAlindon, chief of rheumatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said it would make sense.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2023

These kinds of mysteries were one of the great pleasures of working in rheumatology.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2023