n :  a connective tissue disease esp. of cartilage that is characterized usu. by recurrent progressively destructive episodes of tissue inflammation (as of the ears, nose, larynx, trachea, eyes, joints, kidney, or heart) and that is inferred to have an autoimmune etiology from its frequent association with autoimmune diseases (as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus) .
 
 
 
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