rheumatoid arthritis

Definition of rheumatoid arthritis
National Cancer Institute

rheumatoid arthritis

(ROO-muh-TOYD ar-THRY-tis)
An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, and may cause severe joint damage, loss of function, and disability. The disease may last from months to a lifetime, and symptoms may improve and worsen over time.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms