osteomalacia

American  

[os-tee-oh-muh-ley-shuh, -shee-uh, -see-uh] / ˌɒs ti oʊ məˈleɪ ʃə, -ʃi ə, -si ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a condition characterized by softening of the bones with resultant pain, weakness, and bone fragility, caused by inadequate deposition of calcium or vitamin D.

---

osteomalacia British  

/ ˌɒstɪəʊməˈleɪʃɪə, ˌɒstɪəʊməˈlæsɪk /

noun

1. a disease in adults characterized by softening of the bones, resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D and of calcium and phosphorus

---

Other Word Forms

• osteomalacial adjective
• osteomalacic adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteomalacia

From New Latin, dating back to 1815–25; see origin at osteo-, malacia

Example Sentences

But they did see significant osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, as the body mined them for their stores of minerals.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2022

"Not getting enough vitamin D can lead to an increased risk of bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults," she says.

From BBC • May 14, 2022

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia - causing severe bone pain and muscle aches.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2016

Elderly individuals who suffer from vitamin D deficiency can develop a condition called osteomalacia, a softening of the bones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

And it has done no good; and they were mistaken in their first diagnoses, because what they took for true osteomalacia was only—— Would you mind telling me again?

From The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck A Comedy of Limitations by Cabell, James Branch