osteomalacia

[ os-tee-oh-muh-ley-shuh, -shee-uh, -see-uh ]

nounPathology.
  1. a condition characterized by softening of the bones with resultant pain, weakness, and bone fragility, caused by inadequate deposition of calcium or vitamin D.

Origin of osteomalacia

1
From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at osteo-, malacia

Other words from osteomalacia

  • os·te·o·ma·la·cial, os·te·o·ma·lac·ic [os-tee-oh-muh-las-ik], /ˌɒs ti oʊ məˈlæs ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for osteomalacia

osteomalacia

/ (ˌɒstɪəʊməˈleɪʃɪə) /


noun
  1. a disease in adults characterized by softening of the bones, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D and of calcium and phosphorus

Origin of osteomalacia

1
C19: from New Latin, from osteo- + Greek malakia softness

Derived forms of osteomalacia

  • osteomalacial or osteomalacic (ˌɒstɪəʊməˈlæsɪk), adjective

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