bisphosphonate

noun

bis·​phos·​pho·​nate ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt 

: any of a group of drugs that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts

Examples of bisphosphonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Taking magnesium at the same time as some other medications (such as antibiotics or bone-strengthening medications called bisphosphonates) can interfere with their absorption. —Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025

Magnesium can decrease the absorption of these medications, so take magnesium and bisphosphonates at least two hours apart. —Health, 22 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

bis + phosphonic acid (an acid obtained from phosphine) + -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bisphosphonate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Medical Definition

bisphosphonate

noun

bis·​phos·​pho·​nate

ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt

: any of a group of drugs (such as alendronate or etidronate) that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts

… among the pharmacological approaches for treating osteoporosis, use of bisphosphonates increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures.

—Charles Marwick, The Journal of the American Medical Association

called also diphosphonate

Note: Bisphonates are analogs of pyrophosphate and contain two phosphate groups attached to a central carbon atom that replaces the oxygen atom in pyrophosphate.