rheumatics
rheumatics Lexical Profile
rheumatics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An informal or dated term for rheumatism, characterized by inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints or muscles.
"My grandfather always complained that the damp autumn weather brought on his rheumatics."
Persons who suffer from or are affected by rheumatism (plural of rheumatic).
"The warm mineral springs have long been a popular retreat for rheumatics seeking relief from chronic joint pain."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Rheumatics" is an informal, dated, or dialectal term for rheumatism; although plural in form, it can take either a singular or plural verb when referring to the condition.
• Rhymes for rheumatics
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the adjective "rheumatic," which comes via Latin from Ancient Greek "rheumatikos" (suffering from a flux or discharge), ultimately from "rheuma" (a stream or bodily humor).