Word: Arthritis
Definition:
Arthritis is a noun that refers to inflammation of a joint or joints in the body. This means that the places where two bones meet, like in your knees, hands, or hips, can become swollen, painful, and stiff.
Usage Instructions:
- Basic Use: When you talk about arthritis, you are usually referring to a condition that affects people, especially as they get older. It's common to say someone has arthritis if they experience pain in their joints. - Example Sentence: "My grandmother has arthritis in her hands, so she finds it hard to hold things."
Advanced Usage:
- In a Medical Context: You might hear doctors discuss different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (the most common form caused by wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints). - Example Sentence: "The doctor recommended physical therapy for her rheumatoid arthritis to help reduce inflammation."
Word Variants:
- Adjective: arthritic (describing something related to arthritis)
- Example: "He has arthritic pain in his knees." - Noun (related): arthritics (people who suffer from arthritis)
- Example: "Arthritics often need special care and treatment."
Different Meaning:
While "arthritis" mainly refers to joint inflammation, it can also refer to various conditions that affect joint health.
Synonyms:
- Joint inflammation
- Joint disorder
- Rheumatism (a more general term that can refer to arthritis-like conditions)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to arthritis, but you might hear phrases like "to be in pain" or "to stiffen up," which can describe some symptoms of arthritis.
Summary:
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints.