osteoporosis

American  

[os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis] / ˌɒs ti oʊ pəˈroʊ sɪs /

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.

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osteoporosis British  

/ ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

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

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osteoporosis Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rō′sĭs /

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.

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osteoporosis Cultural  

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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Discover More

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

Other Word Forms

• osteoporotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteoporosis

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

Explanation

Osteoporosis is a condition, most common in elderly women, of fragile, porous bones. Osteoporosis is the culprit behind many fractured bones and curved spines. The word osteoporosis should have you running for a glass of milk. When you see the root osteo, you know that the word relates to “bone." The suffix osis tells you the word is probably a “condition.” The Greek root poro is pretty much the same as its English ancestor: it means “porous” or “passage.” So osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are porous, or weak. Sufficient amounts of calcium can help prevent osteoporosis. Got milk?

Example Sentences

Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP and ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said around 2,000 lives were at stake every year "without a clear plan".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Osteoporosis affects one in three women over 50 and leads to millions of fractures every year, making bone health an important global issue.

From Science Daily • Dec. 13, 2025

Osteoporosis very commonly leads to minor vertebrae fractures called compression fractures.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2025

It’s estimated that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 44 million others have low bone density, according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 4, 2023

Osteoporosis is a general disease of the bones which develops slowly and progressively and is characterized by the absorption of the calcareous or compact bony substance and the formation of enlarged, softened, and porous bone.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.