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Definition of rheumatism

rheumatism

/ˈruːmətɪzəm/
rheu · ma · tism
Adverb:rheumatically
•
Plural:rheumatisms
•
Adjective:rheumatic
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rheumatism Lexical Profile

rheumatism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various medical conditions characterized by inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous connective tissues.

Example

"Cold and damp winter weather always seemed to aggravate my grandfather's rheumatism."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rheumatism

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern medicine, 'rheumatism' is considered an informal or outdated umbrella term; clinicians now prefer specific diagnoses such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia.

• Rhymes for rheumatism

• Nearby Words

rheum
rheumatic
rheumatics
rheumatism
rheumatoid
rhexia
rhinanthus

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French and Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'rheumatismos', meaning 'a flux or humor', from 'rheuma' ('stream' or 'flow'), reflecting the ancient medical belief that joint pain was caused by harmful fluids flowing from the brain into the body.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rheumatism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rheumatism
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