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
By feeding it urea extracted from human urine, the yeast initiates a biochemical chain reaction that results in the secretion of crystalline hydroxyapatite, just like osteoblasts do.
—
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 19 June 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
They are packed with hydroxyapatite to manage the task sensitively, and they can be used on their own or paired with the label’s own whitening devices.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Some mothers are adamantly against fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, suggesting alternatives like hydroxyapatite, while others are conflicted and seeking more information.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Become a Subscriber The scientific case for hydroxyapatite toothpaste is actually quite simple: Composed of calcium and phosphate, hydroxyapatite is the very mineral that primarily makes up our bones and teeth.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 23 July 2024
When dissecting the clubs, the researchers found that they are covered in hydroxyapatite, a coating that also gives tooth enamel and bone their toughness.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025
The substance's active ingredients include hyaluronic acid – a gooey substance which is produced naturally by the body's connective tissue – and nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, which is the primary component in bone tissue.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 19 June 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
They are packed with hydroxyapatite to manage the task sensitively, and they can be used on their own or paired with the label’s own whitening devices.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Some mothers are adamantly against fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, suggesting alternatives like hydroxyapatite, while others are conflicted and seeking more information.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Become a Subscriber The scientific case for hydroxyapatite toothpaste is actually quite simple: Composed of calcium and phosphate, hydroxyapatite is the very mineral that primarily makes up our bones and teeth.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 23 July 2024
When dissecting the clubs, the researchers found that they are covered in hydroxyapatite, a coating that also gives tooth enamel and bone their toughness.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 22 Feb. 2025
The substance's active ingredients include hyaluronic acid – a gooey substance which is produced naturally by the body's connective tissue – and nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, which is the primary component in bone tissue.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hydroxyapatite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroxyapatite. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share