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

For Joint Health Collagen supplements reduce pain and stiffness in people with arthritis or joint issues. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2025

Joint supplement for dogs FAQ Are some dog breeds more likely to get arthritis than other breeds? —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

Frequently Asked Questions What triggers a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis? —Sarah Bradley, Health, 20 Apr. 2025

Elena, 54, has fibromyalgia and arthritis, and her husband, 62, has had a heart attack. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 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)