rheumatoid factor
noun Biochemistry.
an antibody that is found in the blood of many persons afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and that reacts against globulins in the blood.
Origin of rheumatoid factor
First recorded in 1945–50
Words nearby rheumatoid factor
rheumatid,
rheumatism,
rheumatism-root,
rheumatoid,
rheumatoid arthritis,
rheumatoid factor,
rheumatoid nodule,
rheumatoid spondylitis,
rheumatologist,
rheumatology,
rheumy
Medical definitions for rheumatoid factor
rheumatoid factor
n.
Any of the immunoglobulins found in the serum of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis that enhance the agglutination of suspended particles that are coated with pooled human gamma globulin and that are used to diagnose the disease.