Definition

A type of joint disease that happens when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, often causing pain and stiffness, especially in older people.

Example

My grandmother suffers from osteoarthritis, which makes it hard for her to walk.

Conversation

I heard my grandmother has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Oh no, that sounds painful!

Yeah, it worries me because she moves around so slowly now.

I can imagine; osteoarthritis can really affect one's quality of life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Osteoarthritis → It is formed from "osteo-" (from Greek "osteon", meaning bone) and "arthr-" (from Greek "arthron", meaning joint) and "-itis" (from Greek "itis", meaning inflammation). The word describes inflammation of the joints in the bones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bone' ('osteo-') and 'joint' ('arthr-') being inflamed ('-itis') — that's what osteoarthritis means.

Visually Confused Words