bone mineral density

[ bohn min-er-uhl den-si-tee ]

noun

1. a measurement of the amount of calcium and other minerals in a segment of bone, a higher mineral content indicating a higher bone density and strength, used to detect osteoporosis or monitor its treatment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bone mineral density¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

We hit peak bone mineral density in our late teens and early 20s, when our body has grown to full size and our metabolism is working its best.

From Salon

Low bone mineral density – especially in the spine – puts people with anorexia at increased risk of fractures because their bone thickness is reduced, increasing the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, which is associated with increased fractures.

From Salon

On a six-month journey, the astronauts that went up there lost 1.5 percent of their bone mineral density per month.

From Scientific American

“Medical providers generally aim to limit the number of years of treatment with puberty blockers due to the risk of lower bone mineral density and vitamin D deficiency,” the plaintiffs wrote, adding that the ban on hormone therapy will force young people to make a choice between the potential “negative consequences of prolonged puberty-blocking therapy,” or stopping the medication and going through puberty.

From New York Times

GnRHas, when used as puberty blockers or for endometriosis, are known to limit the buildup of bone mineral density, raising concerns about bone fractures.

From Scientific American