hydroxyapatite
noun
hy·droxy·ap·a·tite
hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈa-pə-ˌtīt 
variants
or hydroxylapatite
: a complex phosphate of calcium Ca5(PO4)3OH that occurs as a mineral and is the chief structural element of vertebrate bone
Examples of hydroxyapatite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tooth enamel is the hardest part of the entire mammal skeleton; 97 percent of it is hydroxyapatite, the hard mineral component of bone (most bone tissue is only about 40 to 70 percent hydroxyapatite).
—
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
This fluoride-free toothpaste contains nano-hydroxyapatite, a mineral form of the same ingredient that makes up 97% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Products that contain nano-hydroxyapatite, a material similar to natural tooth enamel.
—
Andrea Kane,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
The basis for the construct was an artificial bone structure made of hydroxyapatite, which is a natural mineral found in bones and teeth.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Nov. 2025
Unlike your bones, which are mostly composed of a structural protein your body makes called collagen, your teeth are primarily made up of minerals such as calcium-rich hydroxyapatite.
—
Christina Nicholas,
The Conversation,
10 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, because these cells are difficult to grow and support outside of the body, cultured hydroxyapatite tends to be quite expensive.
—
New Atlas,
19 June 2025
Enter Davids new whitening toothpaste, which uses hydroxyapatite to help remineralize your enamel and protect from decay.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
12 May 2025
This is not the first time attempts have been made to use hydroxyapatite for orthopedic implants.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
19 Apr. 2012
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ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
This fluoride-free toothpaste contains nano-hydroxyapatite, a mineral form of the same ingredient that makes up 97% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Products that contain nano-hydroxyapatite, a material similar to natural tooth enamel.
—
Andrea Kane,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
The basis for the construct was an artificial bone structure made of hydroxyapatite, which is a natural mineral found in bones and teeth.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Nov. 2025
Unlike your bones, which are mostly composed of a structural protein your body makes called collagen, your teeth are primarily made up of minerals such as calcium-rich hydroxyapatite.
—
Christina Nicholas,
The Conversation,
10 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, because these cells are difficult to grow and support outside of the body, cultured hydroxyapatite tends to be quite expensive.
—
New Atlas,
19 June 2025
Enter Davids new whitening toothpaste, which uses hydroxyapatite to help remineralize your enamel and protect from decay.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
12 May 2025
This is not the first time attempts have been made to use hydroxyapatite for orthopedic implants.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
19 Apr. 2012
Cite this Entry
“Hydroxyapatite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroxyapatite. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hydroxyapatite
noun
hy·droxy·ap·a·tite
hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈap-ə-ˌtīt
variants
or hydroxylapatite
: a complex phosphate of calcium Ca5(PO4)3OH that occurs as a mineral and is the chief structural element of vertebrate bone
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