n, pl  -thrit*i*des   :  arthritis of middle age characterized by degenerative and sometimes hypertrophic changes in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints and a progressive wearing down of apposing joint surfaces with consequent distortion of joint position usu. without bony stiffening - called also degenerative arthritis , degenerative joint disease , hypertrophic arthritis  - compare RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS  os*teo*ar*thrit*ic adj 
 
 
 
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