hydroxyapatite

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

variants: or hydroxylapatite play \hī-ˌdräk-sə-ˈla-pə-ˌtīt\

Definition of hydroxyapatite

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

Recent Examples of hydroxyapatite from the Web

Boka thinks that fluoride is not good enough, however, and has thus created a paste with nano-hydroxyapatite (N-Ha) in its place.

— adam hurly, GQ, "The Best Toothpaste for Removing Stains, Fixing Your Breath, and Not Getting Gingivitis," 27 Apr. 2018
Researchers at Shanghai’s Institute of Ceramics are developing a new kind of wallpaper made from graphene oxide and hydroxyapatite nanowires that can detect fire and act as a retardant.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "Scientists are developing wallpaper that can tell when your house is on fire," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hydroxyapatite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.