arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrī-təs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
plural arthritides är-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While some cats adapt well, others may face serious mobility issues and a higher risk of obesity, arthritis, and joint problems. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Of the 600 million people in the world with arthritis, Tornos has estimated that only 5% are doing something about it. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 20 May 2025 In rare circumstances, infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 The report cited Biden's sleep apnea treatment and stiffened gait from arthritis. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for arthritis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arthritis was in 1543

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Cite this Entry

“Arthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arthritis. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

arthritis

noun
ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: inflammation of the joints
arthritic
-ˈthrit-ik
adjective or noun

Medical Definition

arthritis

noun
ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
plural arthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce arthritis (audio)
: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes
also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)

More from Merriam-Webster on arthritis

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