n :  any of various diseases or abnormal states (as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatic fever, and dermatomyositis) characterized by inflammatory or degenerative changes in connective tissue - called also collagen disease , collagenolysis , collagen vascular disease  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.