exostosis

American  

[ek-so-stoh-sis, -suh-] / ˌɛk sɒˈstoʊ sɪs, -sə- /

noun

Pathology.

plural

exostoses

1. the abnormal formation of a bony growth on a bone or tooth.

---

exostosis British  

/ ˌɛksɒˈstəʊsɪs /

noun

1. an abnormal bony outgrowth from the surface of a bone

---

Other Word Forms

• exostosed adjective
• exostotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of exostosis

1730–40; < New Latin < Greek exóstōsis an outgrowth. See ex- ³, ostosis

Example Sentences

Jomon skeletons show a high incidence of what pathologists term auditory exostosis, meaning abnormal bone growth in the ears as often observed in divers today.

From Literature

Skeletons show evidence of auditory exostoses, a growth of cartilaginous tissue on ear bones that is found in humans who are repeatedly exposed to cold water – suggesting they frequently performed religious ceremonies in the river.

From The Guardian

Large exostoses can cause hearing loss, by blocking the auditory canal.

From The New Yorker

There are several other diseases of the bones, which, we presume, our readers are acquainted with; such as exostosis, caries, &c., neither of which apply to the malady under consideration.

From Project Gutenberg

The fighting knobs mentioned above, are very interesting, large exostoses on one of the wrist-bones of either wing; they were undoubtedly covered with a thick, callous skin.

From Project Gutenberg