osteoporosis

[ os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis ]

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.

osteoporosis

/ ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

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

osteoporosis

/ 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.

osteoporosis

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.

Notes

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

Derived Forms

• ˌosteopoˈrotic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteoporosis¹

C19: from osteo- + pore ² + -osis

Example Sentences

Exercise can help increase bone density when you’re younger and stave off osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bone and increases the risk of breaks as you age.

From Time

Almost half of all adults 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone due to osteoporosis, which costs the health system $19 billion annually, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

From Time

Osteoporosis becomes more prevalent as people age, with nearly 27 percent of women and 6 percent of men 65 and older having osteoporosis.

From Washington Post

Such studies could help researchers better understand how activity levels in childhood might relate to when and how osteoporosis plays out in adults.

From Science News For Students

In the growing movement of health-conscious consumers, bone broth is hailed as a mineral source that can help combat osteoporosis.

From Popular-Science

The results were awful: marked osteoporosis in the spine, hip, and femur.

From The Daily Beast

If not, they risk facing complications including osteoporosis, thyroid disease and cancer.

From The Daily Beast

The most severe side effect some users experience from heroin maintenance is osteoporosis after long-term use.

From The Daily Beast

It is probable that if this work is confirmed a somewhat similar causative factor will be discovered for osteoporosis.

From Project Gutenberg