hydroxyapatite

noun

hy·​droxy·​ap·​a·​tite hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈa-pə-ˌtīt How to pronounce hydroxyapatite (audio)
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 The former has hydroxyapatite—which researchers claim is more effective than fluoride at preventing tooth sensitivity—to help rebuild the surface of your teeth, while the latter was formulated to inhibit bacteria and remineralize teeth. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 The main active ingredient in these tablets is fluoride, but they’re also packed with other cavity-fighting ingredients, including hydroxyapatite and xylitol. Lacey Muinos, Health, 11 Dec. 2023 Infused with a refreshing mint flavor, these strips are packed with hydroxyapatite, a mineral that protects and maintains healthy enamel and protects against cavities. Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Nov. 2023 Another option: Fillers that use calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), a mineral that’s found naturally in our teeth and bones. Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2023 Selahatin’s toothpaste formulas take a multitasking approach to cleaning and brightening, using hydrated silica to break up plaque, sensitivity-friendly hydroxyapatite (in place of fluoride) to polish and help rebuild enamel, as well as sodium bicarbonate to brighten the teeth. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 9 May 2023 The first layer of protection is a thin covering of the mineral hydroxyapatite, found in hair and teeth and in the chitin that forms insect shells. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018 But for mantis shrimp, the hydroxyapatite is in a highly crystalline, and thus harder, form. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2018 It’s made of hydroxyapatite crystals – the same stuff in our bones, but more carefully aligned. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydroxyapatite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydroxyapatite was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near hydroxyapatite

Cite this Entry

“Hydroxyapatite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroxyapatite. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

hydroxyapatite

noun
hy·​droxy·​ap·​a·​tite hī-ˌdräk-sē-ˈap-ə-ˌtīt How to pronounce hydroxyapatite (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on hydroxyapatite

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