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

In Argentina, researchers are testing whether a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis might help fight hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe infection caused by both the Andes virus and the Sin Nombre virus, a type of hantavirus found in North America. —ABC News, 3 June 2026

The medication is also used widely for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. —Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

The clinic was founded in the 1950s by Otto Buchinger, a naval doctor who learn about fasting in India and was said to have been cured of severe rheumatoid arthritis following a 19-day water fast. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 May 2026

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

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