IPA: /ˌæn.tiˈruː.mə.tɪk/
KK: /ˌæntiˈrumætɪk/
This word describes something that helps to prevent or reduce the effects of rheumatism, which is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles.
The doctor prescribed an antirheumatic medication to help manage her joint pain.
A type of medicine that helps to prevent or treat rheumatism, which is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles.
The doctor prescribed an antirheumatic to help manage her arthritis symptoms.
Antirheumatic is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "rheuma" (from Greek "rheuma", meaning flow or flux, often used in the context of bodily fluids or conditions). The word refers to something that works against rheumatism, a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles.
Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'rheuma' relating to flow or bodily conditions — this helps you remember that antirheumatic refers to something that fights against rheumatic conditions.