rheumatism

[ roo-muh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any disorder of the extremities or back, characterized by pain and stiffness.
2. rheumatic fever.

rheumatism

/ ˈruːməˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. any painful disorder of joints, muscles, or connective tissue Compare arthritis fibrositis

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheumatism¹

1595–1605; < Latin rheumatismus catarrh, rheum < Greek rheumatismós, equivalent to rheumat- (stem of rheûma; rheum ) + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheumatism¹

C17: from Latin rheumatismus catarrh, from Greek rheumatismos ; see rheum

Example Sentences

Père Bracasse was ill, suffering from rheumatism, bronchitis, fever and corns.

From Project Gutenberg

(b) Acute infectious diseases, especially rheumatism and typhoid fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Rheumatism was the one malady that sometimes affected mother Martha's health.

From Project Gutenberg

I wish we were at home, and I was comfortably laid up in our damp garret, with a fine twinging fit of the rheumatism.

From Project Gutenberg

When his infirmities began with rheumatism and bad digestion, she nursed him as if she had been his daughter.

From Project Gutenberg