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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma, are chronic conditions that affect joints, muscles and connective tissue. Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 7 July 2025 Evidence presented at trial suggests Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and Blue Cross Blue Shield by subjecting the patients to unnecessary treatments. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Certain health conditions: Endocrine disorders like thyroid dysfunction, GI conditions that limit your ability to absorb nutrients, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and various cancers can also do a number on your bones. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 June 2025 However, in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, T cells can either directly harm the body’s own tissues or act as helper cells that enable other immune cells to produce antibodies that attack the body. New Atlas, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rheumatoid arthritis

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rheumatoid arthritis was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Rheumatoid arthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rheumatoid%20arthritis. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rheumatoid arthritis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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