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

Ginger Ginger may improve inflammatory health conditions, such as arthritis. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

Fractures that are out of place, shortened, or do not have a congruent joint surface usually need surgery to help prevent persistent pain, loss of motion and the development of arthritis. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

Introduced in early 2025, the brand’s shampoo and conditioner were created for older adults and individuals with limited hand strength, arthritis, or disabilities. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

The discovery also has implications for treating degenerative conditions like arthritis, where joint cartilage repair remains a major medical challenge. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 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)