osteoporosis

American  

[os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis] / ˌɒs ti oʊ pəˈroʊ sɪs /

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.

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osteoporosis British  

/ ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. porosity and brittleness of the bones due to loss of calcium from the bone matrix

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osteoporosis Scientific  

/ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rō′sĭs /

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.

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osteoporosis Cultural  

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.

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of osteoporosis

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

Explanation

Osteoporosis is a condition, most common in elderly women, of fragile, porous bones. Osteoporosis is the culprit behind many fractured bones and curved spines. The word osteoporosis should have you running for a glass of milk. When you see the root osteo, you know that the word relates to “bone." The suffix osis tells you the word is probably a “condition.” The Greek root poro is pretty much the same as its English ancestor: it means “porous” or “passage.” So osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are porous, or weak. Sufficient amounts of calcium can help prevent osteoporosis. Got milk?

Example Sentences

David is 73 years old and has osteoporosis with a history of multiple fractures.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Cancer treatment and osteoporosis had damaged her teeth, leaving her with six lost fillings and toothache.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The launch of generic treatments in the U.S. for psoriasis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis helped to boost 2025 revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Ailments like anemia, kidney stones and osteoporosis can arise as well, and most returning astronauts can barely walk under the sudden chains of gravity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Sonny had a bad heart, and Deborah had arthritis, osteoporosis, nerve deafness, anxiety, and depression.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot