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

Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

What started as a few dozen brand-name drugs now includes a catalog of more than 800 brand-name and generic medications, offering discounts on everything from popular weight loss drugs to treatments for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women, and factors such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, wrist injuries, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause may increase risk. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

People with gum disease, cavities and missing teeth face elevated risk for stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 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