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

Curcumin has been found to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of inflammatory, autoimmune arthritis,4 in which the synovium (lining of joints) is mistakenly attacked by the immune system. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 July 2025

Psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause joint pain and swelling due to irregular immune system activity. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 June 2025

The biologic has multiple indications, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Studies show postmenopausal women, particularly those with early menopause, may be at higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. —Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rheumatoid arthritis

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

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