chronic rheumatism [Gk, chronos, time, rheumatismos, that which flows] , a term used to encompass more than 100 types of diseases, including many types of arthritis. Arthritic conditions are distinguished by red, swollen joints and inflamed connective tissues such as cartilage, synovial tissue, and tendons. Other rheumatic diseases are considered autoimmune diseases, meaning that the body’s own immune system is turning on parts of the body. See also rheumatism.
