Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

osteomalacia

[os-tee-oh-muh-ley-shuh, -shee-uh, -see-uh]
noun Pathology.
  1. a condition characterized by softening of the bones with resultant pain, weakness, and bone fragility, caused by inadequate deposition of calcium or vitamin D.
Show More

Origin of osteomalacia

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at osteo-, malacia
Related formsos·te·o·ma·la·cial, os·te·o·ma·lac·ic [os-tee-oh-muh-las-ik] /ˌɒs ti oʊ məˈlæs ɪk/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for osteomalacia

Historical Examples

  • Degeneration of the bone tissue: Rickets, Osteomalacia and similar diseases.

    Valere Aude

    Louis Dechmann

  • Osteogenesis imperfecta and osteomalacia are disorders of dietetic or metabolic origin characterized by fragility of the bones.

    Scurvy Past and Present

    Alfred Fabian Hess

  • Osteomalacia is an acquired disease which causes marked softening and changes in the bones.

  • Mr. V. Canyre spoke about softening the bones of ideas (osteomalacia), against which such a propaganda must work in the school.

  • In osteomalacia and in the absorption of bone the mucous degeneration of the bone-cartilage plays an important part.

British Dictionary definitions for osteomalacia

osteomalacia

noun
  1. a disease in adults characterized by softening of the bones, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D and of calcium and phosphorus
Show More
Derived Formsosteomalacial or osteomalacic (ˌɒstɪəʊməˈlæsɪk), adjective

Word Origin

C19: from New Latin, from osteo- + Greek malakia softness
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
osteomalacia in Medicine

osteomalacia

(ŏs′tē-ō-mə-lā′shə)
n.
  1. A bone disease characterized by bone demineralization due to deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D or phosphates. adult rickets late rickets
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.