rickets

[ rik-its ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease of childhood, characterized by softening of the bones as a result of inadequate intake of vitamin D and insufficient exposure to sunlight, also associated with impaired calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

rickets

/ ˈrɪkɪts /

noun

1. functioning as singular or plural pathol a disease mainly of children, characterized by softening of developing bone, and hence bow legs, malnutrition, and enlargement of the liver and spleen, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D

rickets

/ rĭk′ĭts /

1. A bone disease seen mostly in children, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, usually as a result of inadequate dietary intake or lack of exposure to sunlight. This deficiency causes decreased calcium absorption from the intestine and abnormalities in formation and mineralization of skeletal bone, resulting in defective bone growth and deformity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rickets¹

First recorded in 1635–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of rickets¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Fischer has been endorsed by Sarah Palin and received big dollar donations from the Koch brothers and Joe Rickets.

From The Daily Beast

It is of temporary duration, and usually clears up when the symptoms of rickets have been eradicated.

From Project Gutenberg

Rickets (a disease of the bones) often follows in the wake of faulty feeding and unhygienic surroundings.

From Project Gutenberg

His make-up was that of a man completely worn out—one afflicted with physical and moral rickets.

From Project Gutenberg

Rick′etly, shaky; Rick′ety, affected with rickets: feeble, unstable.

From Project Gutenberg

Then John, he's got the rickets, and is used to be fed and taken care of.

From Project Gutenberg