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rheumatoid factor
noun
: an autoantibody of high molecular weight that reacts against IgG immunoglobulins and is often present in rheumatoid arthritis
Examples of rheumatoid factor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is classified into two subtypes: rheumatoid factor positive (RF) and rheumatoid factor negative.3 RF is an antibody that contributes to long-term inflammation.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024
It is divided into two types: rheumatoid factor (RF) negative and RF positive.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024
Only one type of JIA, polyarticular arthritis positive for IgM rheumatoid factor, is believed to be the same disease as adult RA.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024
The authors of the report wrote that patients with persistent false-positive results and a history of autoimmune disease with rheumatoid factor may benefit from repeat COVID testing with a different brand of rapid antigen test.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024
One of these blood tests measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF), a protein produced by your immune system that can attack healthy tissue, in your body.
—Women's Health, 4 Apr. 2023
Nearly everyone who is evaluated for psoriatic arthritis will have their blood tested for rheumatoid factor (RF), a protein produced by the immune system that attacks healthy joints.
—Sara Gaynes Lev, SELF, 30 July 2021
The doctor on call had the presence of mind to do a rheumatoid factor test, which tests for a type of protein that your immune system produces that can attack healthy tissue.
—Natasha Lavender, SELF, 15 Oct. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rheumatoid factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1949, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of rheumatoid factor was
in 1949
Dictionary Entries Near rheumatoid factor
Cite this Entry
“Rheumatoid factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rheumatoid%20factor. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
rheumatoid factor
noun
: an autoantibody of high molecular weight that reacts against immunoglobulins of the class IgG and is often present in rheumatoid arthritis
More from Merriam-Webster on rheumatoid factor
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rheumatoid factor
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