rheumy

[ roo-mee ]

adjective

, rheum·i·er, rheum·i·est.

1. pertaining to, causing, full of, or affected with rheum.

ˈrheumy

/ ˈruːmɪ /

adjective

1. of the nature of rheum
2. literary.
   damp and unhealthy

   the rheumy air

Other Words From

• rheumi·ly adverb
• rheumi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheumy¹

First recorded in 1585–95; rheum + -y ¹

Example Sentences

But that bright hot gleam in your rheumy eyes is not the end of our universe, my friend.

From Seattle Times

The blue eyes seemed to turn rheumy with regret: When a 2016 video interview promoting the Showtime series “The Affair” revealed a Fraser who seemed dejected and defeated, it went viral.

From Washington Post

The faces in “Funny Pages” are critical to the film’s gestalt, its philosophy and aesthetic, and offer an astonishment of humanity in all its sweaty, wrinkly, frizzy, rheumy, comb-over, tender glory.

From New York Times

He met my gaze, and his rheumy eyes sharpened.

From Literature

Her eyes were sunken and rheumy, pouring out tears.

From Literature