Word: Osteoarthritis
Definition:Osteoarthritis is a noun that refers to a long-lasting (chronic) condition where the cartilage—the soft tissue that cushions the joints—breaks down over time. This usually happens in older people, often after middle age. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
Usage Instructions: - Osteoarthritis is used as a noun. You can talk about it in sentences like: "She has osteoarthritis in her knees." - It is often discussed in the context of health, medicine, and aging.
Example Sentence:"After years of playing sports, he developed osteoarthritis in his hips, making it difficult for him to walk."
Advanced Usage: In medical discussions, osteoarthritis might be described in terms of its stages (mild, moderate, severe) or the joints affected (knee, hip, finger). For example: "The patient is experiencing moderate osteoarthritis in the left knee."
Word Variants: - Osteoarthritic (adjective): This describes something related to osteoarthritis. For example: "She has osteoarthritic pain in her joints." - Arthritis (noun): This is a general term for inflammation of the joints, which can include various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis.
Different Meaning:While "osteoarthritis" specifically refers to this chronic condition, "arthritis" is a broader term that can refer to any inflammation of the joints, which may include other types like rheumatoid arthritis.
Synonyms: - Degenerative joint disease - Wear-and-tear arthritis
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "osteoarthritis," but you might hear phrases like "feeling stiff" or "getting creaky," which can informally describe joint discomfort.
Additional Notes:Osteoarthritis is common and can be managed with treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes like exercise and diet.