'arthritic' originates from Greek, specifically the element 'arthr-' from the word 'arthron', where 'arthr-' meant 'joint', combined with the suffix '-itic' (from Greek/Latin '-itis') meaning 'inflammation'.

'arthron' (Greek) passed into New/Medieval Latin as 'arthr-' forms and gave rise to the noun 'arthritis' (inflammation of a joint) in Modern Latin/English; the adjective 'arthritic' developed from 'arthritis' in English (19th century).

Initially, the root referred to 'joint' and 'arthritis' originally meant 'inflammation of the joints'; over time 'arthritic' came to mean both 'relating to arthritis' and 'affected by arthritis (a person)'.