rheumatoid arthritis

noun

: a usually chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints

—abbreviation RA compare osteoarthritis

Examples of rheumatoid arthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

May Decrease Arthritis Pain Curcumin has been studied for its effects on pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis (a type of inflammatory arthritis). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025

However, eating eggplant may cause inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Because inflammatory conditions trigger many seemingly unrelated diseases, Humira helps patients with numerous ailments including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease), and Ankylosing Spondylitis (a disease that causes inflammation in the spine and other joints). —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rheumatoid arthritis

• diverticulitis
• epididymitis
• osteoarthritis
• periodontitis
• polymyositis
• pyelonephritis
• tenosynovitis
• adenitis
• arteritis
• blepharitis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis

Medical Definition

rheumatoid arthritis

noun

: a usually chronic disease that is considered an autoimmune disease and is characterized especially by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints

—abbreviation RA

called also atrophic arthritis

compare osteoarthritis