1. Denoting an agent that suppresses manifestations of rheumatic disease; usually applied to antiinflammatory agents or agents that are capable of delaying progression of the basic disease process in inflammatory arthritis. 2. An agent possessing such properties ( e.g., gold compounds).
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an·ti·rheu·mat·ic -ru̇-'mat-ik adj alleviating or preventing rheumatism <\antirheumatic therapy>
antirheumatic n an antirheumatic agent
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an·ti·rheu·mat·ic (an″te-) (an″ti-roo-matґik) [anti- + rheumatic] 1. relieving or preventing rheumatism or other rheumatoid conditions. 2. an agent for relieving or preventing rheumatoid conditions.Medical dictionary. 2011.