rheumatism /ro̅o̅″mətiz′əm/ [Gk, rheuma, flux] , (Nontechnical) 1. any of a large number of inflammatory conditions of the bursae, joints, ligaments, or muscles characterized by pain, limitation of movement, and structural degeneration of one or more parts of the musculoskeletal system. 2. the syndrome of pain, limitation of movement, and structural degeneration of elements in the musculoskeletal system, as may occur in gout, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and many other diseases.
