(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
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
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 ]