arthritis

American  

[ahr-thrahy-tis] / ɑrˈθraɪ tɪs /

noun

1. acute or chronic inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain and structural changes and having diverse causes, as infection, crystal deposition, or injury.

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arthritis British  

/ ɑːˈθraɪtɪs, ɑːˈθrɪtɪk /

noun

1. inflammation of a joint or joints characterized by pain and stiffness of the affected parts, caused by gout, rheumatic fever, etc See also rheumatoid arthritis

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arthritis Scientific  

/ är-thrī′tĭs /

1. Acute or chronic inflammation of one or more joints, usually accompanied by pain and stiffness, resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, autoimmune disease, or other causes.

2. See also osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis

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arthritis Cultural  

1. The inflammation of tissues in the joints (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), usually resulting in pain and stiffness.

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Usage

Rather than talking about an arthritic or arthritics , it is better to talk about a person with arthritis and people with arthritis

Other Word Forms

• arthritic adjective

Etymology

Origin of arthritis

First recorded in 1535–45; from New Latin, from Greek: “gout,” from árthr(on) “joint” ( arthro- ) + -ītis -itis

Compare meaning

How does arthritis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• rheumatism vs. arthritis

Example Sentences

For inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis, intensity appeared to be the key factor in lowering risk.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Many doctors and medical experts say there was never any definitive evidence that the old vaccine caused serious side effects such as arthritis or neurological problems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

There have been calls for a managed pathway for young people living with arthritis and transitioning from paediatric to adult services.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

What you don’t mention in your letter is your monthly or annual expenses, nor your lifestyle, which may be less hectic given your arthritis symptoms.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

And there was Billy, the proud master, watching his gifted disciple from the car, unable to get out because of the pain in his leg and the arthritis.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger