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

Small agrees, stating that chronic illnesses like arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease heighten the risk for mental health issues. —Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 2 July 2024

Consumers with arthritis or motor disabilities benefit from packaging with easy-open caps and other design tweaks, for instance the matte finish of Rare Beauty’s liquid blush which allows for an easy grip, and the same product’s intentionally low-resistance cap design. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 27 June 2024

However, complaints of arthritis and other adverse effects from the vaccine decimated demand for LYMERix, and the FDA discontinued it in 2002. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 24 June 2024

The discovery adds control of the immune system to the brainstem’s core functions — a list that also includes monitoring heart rate, breathing and aspects of taste — and suggests new potential targets for treating inflammatory disorders like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. —Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024

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)