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.
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 In addition to multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, the proposal passed by the state Senate would permanently extend an existing law prohibiting step therapy for schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, which was set to sunset on January 1, 2027. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 23 May 2025 Other rheumatologists testified that hundreds of their patients diagnosed by Zamora-Quezada in fact did not have rheumatoid arthritis, according to federal officials. Jennifer Rodriguez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rheumatoid arthritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rheumatoid%20arthritis. Accessed 1 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!