hydroxyapatite

noun

hy·​droxy·​ap·​a·​tite hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈa-pə-ˌtīt 

variants or hydroxylapatite

hī-ˌdräk-sə-ˈla-pə-ˌtīt 

: 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

Many people are replacing their fluoride dental products with those containing hydroxyapatite. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026

That’s the idea behind familiar ingredients like fluoride, as well as newer formulas built around calcium, phosphate or hydroxyapatite. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Most enamel-repair products rely on remineralization, which puts minerals back into weakened enamel using ingredients like fluoride, calcium, phosphate or hydroxyapatite. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Ensuring your body has enough substrate—calcium and phosphorus—supports hydroxyapatite production and bone health. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroxyapatite

• granodiorite
• keratinocyte
• microsatellite
• montmorillonite
• reticulocyte
• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite

Medical Definition

hydroxyapatite

noun

hy·​droxy·​ap·​a·​tite hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈap-ə-ˌtīt 

variants or hydroxylapatite

-sə-ˈlap-ə-ˌtīt 

: a complex phosphate of calcium Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH that occurs as a mineral and is the chief structural element of vertebrate bone