osteoclast

American  

[os-tee-uh-klast] / ˈɒs ti əˌklæst /

noun

1. Cell Biology. one of the large multinuclear cells in growing bone concerned with the absorption of osseous tissue, as in the formation of canals.

2. Surgery. an instrument for effecting osteoclasis.

---

osteoclast British  

/ ˈɒstɪəʊˌklæst /

noun

1. a surgical instrument for fracturing bone

2. a large multinuclear cell formed in bone marrow that is associated with the normal absorption of bone

---

osteoclast Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ə-klăst′ /

1. A specialized bone cell that absorbs bone, allowing for the deposition of new bone and maintenance of bone strength. Osteoclasts secrete enyzmes that dissolve the matrix of old bone tissue and acids that dissolve bone salts, which contain calcium and phosphorus. Except in growing bone, the rate of bone deposition and bone absorption equal each other so that bone mass remains constant. A mass of osteoclasts absorbs bone from the outer surfaces inward for about three weeks. The osteoclasts are then converted into osteoblasts that form new bone to fill in the cavities.

2. See also osteoblast

---

Other Word Forms

• osteoclastic adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteoclast

1870–75; osteo- + -clast < Greek klastós broken

Compare meaning

How does osteoclast compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• osteoblast vs. osteoclast

Example Sentences

Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the process of osteoclast differentiation and reveal potential therapeutic targets which can be pursued to develop treatments that address bone loss due to excessive osteoclast activity.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

The researchers subsequently demonstrated that the reduction in osteoclast activity is the result of a soluble substance released locally in bone tissues by osteoblasts 'activated' by PEPITEM.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

Significantly, bone related diseases like osteoporosis, rheumatism and periodontitis are associated hyper activation of bone resorption by osteoclast.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023

"Despite osteoclast should employ Rab dependent traffic, which Rabs are involved had been scarcely understood" says lead author of the first paper, Kazuya Noda.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023

An osteoblast engaged in the absorption instead of the formation of bone is called an osteoclast.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)