osteoarthritis

noun

os·​te·​o·​ar·​thri·​tis ˌä-stē-ō-är-ˈthrī-təs How to pronounce osteoarthritis (audio)
: a common form of arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by progressive degenerative changes in the cartilage of one or more joints (as of the knees, hips, and hands) accompanied by thickening and overgrowth of adjacent bone and that is marked symptomatically chiefly by stiffness, swelling, pain, deformation of joints, and loss of range of motion
abbreviation OA
compare rheumatoid arthritis
osteoarthritic adjective

Examples of osteoarthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review Cells. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024 Hip replacement surgery is often carried out due to chronic hip conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, chronic wear and tear on the joint from years of stress or strain, or due to childhood chronic hip conditions. Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 How to know if your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis Stiffness and difficulty getting up are some of the common signs a dog suffers from osteoarthritis, which the ASPCA defines as inflammation and degeneration in the joint. Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024 The pain associated with osteoarthritis often worsens with activity, making walking painful.7 Rheumatoid arthritis: Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for osteoarthritis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of osteoarthritis was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near osteoarthritis

Cite this Entry

“Osteoarthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osteoarthritis. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

osteoarthritis

noun
os·​teo·​ar·​thri·​tis
ˌäs-tē-ō-är-ˈthrīt-əs
: arthritis marked by the breakdown of cartilage and bone of joints

Medical Definition

osteoarthritis

noun
os·​teo·​ar·​thri·​tis ˌäs-tē-ō-är-ˈthrīt-əs How to pronounce osteoarthritis (audio)
plural osteoarthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce osteoarthritis (audio)
: a common form of arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by progressive degenerative changes in the cartilage of one or more joints (as of the knees, hips, and hands) accompanied by thickening and overgrowth of adjacent bone and that is marked symptomatically chiefly by stiffness, swelling, pain, deformation of joints, and loss of range of motion
abbreviation OA

called also degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis

compare rheumatoid arthritis
osteoarthritic adjective
Treatment for hand and finger osteoarthritis has the same goals as treatment for any osteoarthritic joint: pain reduction, mobility maintenance and minimization of disability. Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

More from Merriam-Webster on osteoarthritis

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