arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrī-təs 

plural arthritides är-ˈthri-tə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition

Examples of arthritis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The diet offers many benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, reducing weight gain, regulating blood pressure, and improving arthritis pain. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025

Exercise also benefits people with a wide range of physical ailments, from arthritis to heart conditions. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025

Saunas are known for their health benefits of improving blood circulation, cardiovascular functioning, and even reducing arthritis, headaches, and flu. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

In the other 49 states, long-term disability benefit claims for physical ailments — cancer, arthritis, stroke — are assessed differently than mental health issues — major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin arthrītis "pain in the joints," borrowed from Greek arthrītid-, arthrîtis "of the joints" (arthrîtis nósos "disease of the joints"), (as a noun) "gout," from árthron "joint, articulation" + -ītis -itis — more at arthro-

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arthritis

• anti-arthritis
• reactive arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis

Kids Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

: inflammation of the joints

arthritic

-ˈthrit-ik

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

arthritis

noun

ar·​thri·​tis är-ˈthrīt-əs 

plural arthritides -ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or constitutional causes

also : a specific arthritic condition (as gouty arthritis or psoriatic arthritis)