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

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis¹

C19: from _osteo- + _pore ² + _-osis

Example Sentences

The company focuses on innovating and creating various medicines to help treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and other rare diseases.

From Los Angeles Times

Worsening osteoporosis in older women may lead to exhaling DMS, as can the positive effects of a medication cocktail for children with cystic fibrosis.

From Salon

A disease like osteoporosis, for example, is thought of as mostly affecting thin, elderly white women – so doctors don't always think to look outside of that population.

From BBC

Vitamin D and calcium have been recommended among older adults to promote brain and bone health, especially among women who are affected by osteoporosis at four times the rate as men.

From Salon

A bone-weakening disease like osteoporosis or even a spinal tumor can disturb the vertebrae’s alignment as well.

From Los Angeles Times