osteoporosis

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

noun Pathology.

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.

Origin of osteoporosis

1840–50; osteo- + Greek pór(os) passage, pore2 + -osis

Example sentences from the Web for osteoporosis

British Dictionary definitions for osteoporosis

osteoporosis
/ (ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs) /

noun

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

Derived forms of osteoporosis

osteoporotic, adjective

Word Origin for osteoporosis

C19: from osteo- + pore ² + -osis

Medical definitions for osteoporosis

osteoporosis
[ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rōsĭs ]

n. pl. os•te•o•po•ro•ses (-sēz)

A disease characterized by decrease in bone mass and density, occurring especially in postmenopausal women, resulting in a predisposition to fractures and bone deformities such as vertebral collapse.

Other words from osteoporosis

os′te•o•po•rotic (-rŏtĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for osteoporosis

osteoporosis
[ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rōsĭs ]

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.

Cultural definitions for osteoporosis

osteoporosis
[ (os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis) ]

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.

notes for osteoporosis

Many experts now believe that osteoporosis can be prevented through regular exercise, mineral supplements, and a diet high in calcium.