rheumatoid arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis   (click for larger image in new window) n.  A chronic disease marked by stiffness and inflammation of the joints, weakness, loss of mobility, and deformity.

Main Entry: rheumatoid arthritis
Function: noun
: a usually chronic disease that is considered an autoimmune disease and is characterized especially by pain, stiffness,inflammation, swelling, and sometimes destruction of joints —abbreviation RA; called also atrophic arthritis; —compare OSTEOARTHRITIS

rheumatoid arthritis n.
A chronic and progressive systemic disease, especially common in women, characterized by stiffness and inflammation of the joints and sometimes leading to deformity and disability. Also called arthritis deformans.