adjective
rheumatic
roo-MAT-ik/ruˈmætɪk/
Relating to painful inflammation or stiffness of joints and muscles.
The clinician examines the older adult's painful rheumatic joints.
Etymology
Rheumatic originally described rheum, the bodily fluid once thought to cause ailments when its flow was out of balance. It later came to describe suffering from, or conditions associated with, rheumatism.
In context
patients in the same clinic for six or seven years and in that time period, we've had an opportunity to see their siblings or their children because many of the rheumatic diseases have a genetic component to them.
More examples
- His rheumatic pain makes opening jars difficult.
- The doctor recommends regular exercise for her rheumatic symptoms.
- Warm water soothes my rheumatic aches.
Forms
rheumatic
rheumatism noun — Conditions causing joint or muscle pain.
Similar words
- arthritic
- Specifically concerns arthritis in joints, rather than muscle ailments generally.