arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrī-təs 

plural arthritides är-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition

Examples of arthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This causes significant incapacitation from local pain, arthritis and local or systemic infection, which can last for several weeks. —Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Good for the Knees Knee pain and inflammation are the most common effects of arthritis. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025

Sekhon says this type of heat therapy can be especially helpful for things like cramps, muscle soreness, or even chronic conditions like arthritis. —Bianca Lambert, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Medical history: Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail as well as your personal and family health history, particularly any types of arthritis. —Brittany Risher, SELF, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin arthrītis "pain in the joints," borrowed from Greek arthrītid-, arthrîtis "of the joints" (arthrîtis nósos "disease of the joints"), (as a noun) "gout," from árthron "joint, articulation" + -ītis -itis — more at arthro-

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arthritis

• anti-arthritis
• reactive arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis

Kids Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

: inflammation of the joints

arthritic

-ˈthrit-ik

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

plural arthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)