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 addition to advancing age and diets low in protein, other risk factors for osteoporosis include low calcium and vitamin D intake, hormone changes, a sedentary lifestyle, and certain health conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025

Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and past injuries. —Brandi Jones, Health, 25 May 2025

Researchers are working to understand how a viral infection can cause persistent joint pain that closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025

Other drugs like baricitinib, which is approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and acute Covid, and temelimab, an experimental drug often given to people with multiple sclerosis, are also being investigated as potential long Covid treatments. —Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 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