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

The company is known for its medication Humira, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other conditions, as well as the drugs Skyrizi, which treats plaque psoriasis, and Rinvoq for rheumatoid arthritis. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026

Growing research suggests that good oral hygiene is linked to a reduced risk of serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026

In one recent study published in Bone Research, researchers found that impaired lymphatic drainage is associated with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Ginger helps relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 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
• 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