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osteoporosis

[ os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.
  1. a disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous, brittle, and subject to fracture, owing to loss of calcium and other mineral components, sometimes resulting in pain, decreased height, and skeletal deformities: common in older persons, primarily postmenopausal women, but also associated with long-term steroid therapy and certain endocrine disorders.


osteoporosis

/ ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

  1. porosity and brittleness of the bones due to loss of calcium from the bone matrix


osteoporosis

/ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rōsĭs /

  1. A bone disease characterized by decrease in bone mass and density, resulting in a predisposition to fractures and bone deformities such as the collapse of one or more vertebrae. It occurs most commonly in women after menopause as a result of estrogen deficiency. Calcium supplementation and weight-bearing exercise are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.


osteoporosis

  1. A softening of the bones that gradually increases and makes them more fragile. It is caused by the gradual loss of the mineral calcium, which helps make bones hard. Osteoporosis occurs most often in elderly women.


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Notes

Many experts now believe that osteoporosis can be prevented through regular exercise, mineral supplements, and a diet high in calcium.

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Derived Forms

  • ˌosteopoˈrotic, adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis1

First recorded in 1840–50; osteo- + Greek pór(os) “passage” ( pore 2 ) + -osis

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Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis1

C19: from osteo- + pore ² + -osis

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Example Sentences

The results were awful: marked osteoporosis in the spine, hip, and femur.

If not, they risk facing complications including osteoporosis, thyroid disease and cancer.

The most severe side effect some users experience from heroin maintenance is osteoporosis after long-term use.

It is probable that if this work is confirmed a somewhat similar causative factor will be discovered for osteoporosis.

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osteoplastyosteoporotic