osteomalacia

American  

[os-tee-oh-muh-lay-shuh, -shee-uh, -see-uh] / ˌɒs ti oʊ məˈleɪ ʃə, -ʃi ə, -si ə /

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.

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osteomalacia British  

/ ˌɒstɪəʊməˈleɪʃɪə /

noun

1. a disease in adults characterized by softening of the bones, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D and of calcium and phosphorus

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Other Word Forms

• osteomalacial
  adjective
• osteomalacic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of osteomalacia

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at osteo-, malacia

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

osteomalacia

But they did see significant osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, as the body mined them for their stores of minerals.

From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2022

"Not getting enough vitamin D can lead to an increased risk of bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults," she says.

From BBC ● May 14, 2022

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia - causing severe bone pain and muscle aches.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2016

Elderly individuals who suffer from vitamin D deficiency can develop a condition called osteomalacia, a softening of the bones.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Osteomalacia.—The term osteomalacia includes a group of conditions, closely allied to rickets, in which the bones of adults become soft and yielding, so that they are unduly liable to bend or break.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Alexis Thomson

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