(n) heart disease caused by recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever; characterized by changes in the myocardium or scarring of the heart valves that reduce the power of the heart to pump blood
a. [ Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_; subject to a discharge or flux: cf. L. rheumaticus, F. rhumatique. See Rheum, Rheumatism. ] 1. Derived from, or having the character of, rheum; rheumic. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Med.) Of or pertaining to rheumatism; as, rheumatic pains or affections; affected with rheumatism; as, a rheumatic old man; causing rheumatism; as, a rheumatic day. [ 1913 Webster ]
That rheumatic diseases do abound. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]