Definition of "rheumatism"

rheumatism

/ˈɹu.məˌtɪz.əm/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural rheumatisms
1. (pathology) Any disorder of the muscles, tendons, joints, bones, nerves, characterized by pain, discomfort and disability.
  Quotations
  The old man had become a confirmed invalid, confined by chronic rheumatism to his chair.
  1874, Wilkie Collins, The Dead Alive
2. (pathology) atrophic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis