arthritis

noun ar·thri·tis \ är-ˈthrī-təs \

Definition of arthritis

plural arthritides play \-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz\

:inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes; also :a specific arthritic condition

See arthritis defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of arthritis from the Web

In 2004, a large clinical trial of arthritis sufferers taking the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Vioxx for their condition were found to have double the normal risk of a heart attack, and the drug was yanked from the market.

— jennifer couzin-frankel, Science | AAAS, "Anti-inflammatory cuts risk of heart attack," 27 Aug. 2017
That means deterioration of the surface of the bone itself and the connecting tissues that cushion and stabilize bones of a joint like the knee, which is what arthritis is all about.

— jane e. brody, idahostatesman, "Allow your joints adequate recovery after injury to avoid arthritis later," 25 Aug. 2017
Swearingin has extremely painful psoriatic arthritis.

— lisa gillespie, Kaiser Health News, "Will GOP Pay A Price For Trying To Take Health Care Benefits From Voters?," 24 Aug. 2017
People with a history of trauma to the knee, for example, are three to six times more likely to develop arthritis in that knee.

— jane e. brody, miamiherald, "If you’ve injured your joint, you run the risk of arthritis if you don’t rehab properly," 21 Aug. 2017
Bruno's disability, a forever-bent leg caused by caprine arthritis encephalitis, usually prevents him from making the long walk from his pen to the field to join the monthly yoga sessions on the farm.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Need a goat fix? Here are some places you're welcome to kid around," 16 Aug. 2017
Other research also suggests, left-handers also have a lower rate of arthritis and ulcers.

— valeria merino, The Courier-Journal, "Lefties, the struggle is real. Here are 8 surprising things to know for Left-Handers Day," 13 Aug. 2017
Bodry founded of the Challenge Center, a nonprofit sports complex in La Mesa that provides long-term physical therapy rehabilitation programs to people in need — from from arthritis to paralysis — regardless of their ability to pay.

— karen pearlman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Bill Bodry of Challenge Center remembered by many," 23 July 2017
With millions of baby boomers experiencing the miseries of arthritis, the need is great and growing.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Baby Boomers turn to stem cells for help with painful joints," 17 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arthritis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of arthritis

Latin, from Greek, from arthron

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First Known Use: 1543

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Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

ARTHRITIS Defined for English Language Learners

arthritis

noun

Definition of arthritis for English Language Learners

medical : a disease that causes the joints of the body to become swollen and painful

ARTHRITIS Defined for Kids

arthritis

noun ar·thri·tis \ är-ˈthrī-təs \

Definition of arthritis for Students

:a condition in which the joints are painful and swollen

Medical Dictionary

arthritis

noun ar·thri·tis \ är-ˈthrīt-əs \

medical Definition of arthritis

plural arthritides play \-ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz\

:inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes; also :a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)

Learn More about arthritis

See words that rhyme with arthritis Spanish Central: Translation of arthritis Nglish: Translation of arthritis for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of arthritis for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arthritis

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arthritis

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arthritis

Definition of arthritis for English Language Learners

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arthritis

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arthritis

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