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

Research on curcumin has also shown that its antioxidant properties can help reduce acne and support a healthy aging process, as well as ease inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and eye disorders. —Devinder Bains, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

Destiny Pinto was pursuing a design degree at college in 2021 when she was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which almost instantly changed her approach to her artistic pursuits. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

These drugs are used to treat plaque psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

People who have taken corticosteroid medicines for conditions like seizures, gastric reflux, cancer and transplant rejection are more susceptible, as are those with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

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