rheumatism

Definition

Any disorder of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, nerves, characterized by pain, discomfort and disability.

Etymology

First attested 1601, from Latin rheumatismus (“rheum”), from Ancient Greek ῥευματισμός (rheumatismós, “humour, discharge, rheum”) from ῥευματίζομαι (rheumatízomai, “I suffer from a rheum”) from ῥεῦμα (rheûma, “stream, flow”) from ῥέω (rhéō, “I flow”)

Example Sentences

• "And then as to your ſcurvys, and gouts, rheumatiſms, conſumptions, coughs and catarrhs, tar-vvater and turpentine vvill make you as ſound as a roach."
• "The old man had become a confirmed invalid, confined by chronic rheumatism to his chair."

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