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

“I sell many good oils for cleaning, tinctures for rheumatism, plague, soreness, warts, and bad luck.”

From Literature

A large, robust, athletic man, Washington was plagued by headaches, stomach troubles, and bouts of rheumatism—a painful condition affecting the joints such as knees and elbows.

From Literature

Bone is maintained via delicate balance between formation and resorption, and its imbalance leads to bone related diseases like osteoporosis rheumatism and periodontitis.

From Science Daily

He had faked deafness, rheumatism, and heart trouble.

From Literature

Through the 19th century, the psychoactive drug derived from some varieties of the plant was often used in medicines and cure-alls that claimed to alleviate various conditions including rheumatism and melancholia.

From New York Times