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

While arthritis is often perceived as an older person’s condition, lupus can affect anyone, often much earlier in life. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025

Common Uses and Benefits of Epsom Salt People use Epsom salt for various ailments, including arthritis, ingrown toenails, sunburns, and minor injuries like bruises, scratches, and sprains. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025

Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle is a plant used by herbal practitioners to manage arthritis and encourage blood flow to the joints or legs. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 17 Sep. 2025

Obesity also exposes cats to the risk of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, skin disease, liver disease, urinary tract disease, and heart disease. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for arthritis

• bronchitis
• bursitis
• detritus
• gastritis
• glossitis
• mastitis
• metritis
• nephritis
• neuritis
• orchitis
• osteitis
• otitis

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)