rheumatoid arthritis

UK: /ˌruːmətɔɪdɑː^rˈθraɪtɪs/

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

rheu′matoid arthri′tis, [Pathol.]

1. Pathology a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, frequently accompanied by marked deformities, and ordinarily associated with manifestations of a general, or systemic, affliction.

• 1855–60

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rheumatoid arthritis noun

1. a chronic disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by inflammation and swelling of joints (esp joints in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet), muscle weakness, and fatigue