Meaning & use
rheumatism
A general term for conditions causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in joints, muscles, or connective tissue.
See it in a sentence
Grandpa's rheumatism flared up whenever the weather turned cold and damp.
The old sailor blamed his rheumatism for the ache in his knees.
A note on using this word
Rheumatism is an old-fashioned, nonspecific term; doctors today usually name the exact condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Words with a similar meaning
arthritis
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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