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

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

The drug is ⁠designed to treat autoimmune diseases by targeting B ​cells, a type of ​immune ⁠cell that causes disease in conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can also cause dryness. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2026

In June, Byars, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, along with her daughter and a family dog, moved into one of the 12 first-floor units. — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 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