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

Kennedy mentioned diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, seizure disorders, ADHD, speech delay, language delay, tics, Tourette syndrome, narcolepsy, peanut allergies and eczema. —Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 18 July 2025

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have shown that fish oil may help reduce joint pain and improve stiffness in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 June 2025

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

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