rickets

American  

[rik-its] / ˈrɪk ɪts /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease of childhood, characterized by softening of the bones as a result of inadequate intake of vitamin D and insufficient exposure to sunlight, also associated with impaired calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

---

rickets British  

/ ˈrɪkɪts /

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) pathol a disease mainly of children, characterized by softening of developing bone, and hence bow legs, malnutrition, and enlargement of the liver and spleen, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D

---

rickets Scientific  

/ rĭk′ĭts /

1. A bone disease seen mostly in children, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, usually as a result of inadequate dietary intake or lack of exposure to sunlight. This deficiency causes decreased calcium absorption from the intestine and abnormalities in formation and mineralization of skeletal bone, resulting in defective bone growth and deformity.

---

Etymology

Origin of rickets

First recorded in 1635–45; origin uncertain

Explanation

Rickets is a childhood disease that's caused by a lack of vitamin D. Rickets results in malformation of the bones. There are many diseases that result from poor nutrition, and rickets is one of these. If a child doesn't get enough vitamin D through food and sunlight, his bones can become curved, soft, or brittle. Someone who is bowlegged — whose legs curve out — may have had rickets as a child. Rickets is less common these days, due to better nutrition. The word rickets is thought to be a version of the Greek word for "inflammation of the spine," rhachitis.

Example Sentences

"It's weird to see so many police," Henry Rickets, a Canadian tourist passing through the area, told AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Rickets ran rife in children following the Industrial Revolution, but University of Otago-led research has found factory work and polluted cities aren't entirely to blame for the period's vitamin D deficiencies.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2024

National Union of Students Wales president Becky Rickets said the social side of university was key.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2021

Rickets, a disease of vitamin D deficiency, can lead to chronic pain and short stature.

From Slate • May 30, 2017

Mrs. Rickets, a woman of medium stature with blond hair pulled to the nape of her neck, began asking questions.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals