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

Some research suggests that supplementing with these nutrients may improve symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026

The trials covered seven therapeutic areas where researchers had previously documented seeding trials, including major depressive disorder, epilepsy, Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. —Sukhun Kang, The Conversation, 6 May 2026

The liver ramps up production of this hs-CRP molecule when the body is under attack or injured, such as when people have undiagnosed cardiovascular issues, infections, or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 4 May 2026

His decades-long development of Olana, however, coincided with worsening rheumatoid arthritis. —Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rheumatoid arthritis

• diverticulitis
• epididymitis
• osteoarthritis
• periodontitis
• polymyositis
• pyelonephritis
• tenosynovitis
• adenitis
• arteritis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis

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