osteomalacia
noun
os·te·o·ma·la·cia
ˌä-stē-ō-mə-ˈlā-sh(ē-)ə 
: a disease of adults that is characterized by softening of the bones and is analogous to rickets in the young
Examples of osteomalacia in a Sentence
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Low phosphorus levels can lead to osteomalacia (weak, soft bones in adults), rickets (a bone disease in children caused by vitamin deficiency), and stunted growth in children.4
Too much phosphorus can also be harmful.
—
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Osteoporosis causes weak bones that fracture easily.4 Similarly, a vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of osteomalacia, which causes bone pain and weak muscles.5 Iron is another key nutrient.
—Isadora Baum, Health, 28 Mar. 2023
In children, a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a now-rare bone disease, according to Harvard Health Publishing, and adults without sufficient vitamin D can face bone diseases such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
—Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2023
Without enough of it, bones can become thin, brittle and misshapen, causing a condition called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
—Liz Szabo, The Seattle Times, 20 Aug. 2018
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Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Osteoporosis causes weak bones that fracture easily.4 Similarly, a vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of osteomalacia, which causes bone pain and weak muscles.5 Iron is another key nutrient.
—Isadora Baum, Health, 28 Mar. 2023
In children, a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a now-rare bone disease, according to Harvard Health Publishing, and adults without sufficient vitamin D can face bone diseases such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
—Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2023
Without enough of it, bones can become thin, brittle and misshapen, causing a condition called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
—Liz Szabo, The Seattle Times, 20 Aug. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Osteomalacia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osteomalacia. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
osteomalacia
noun
os·teo·ma·la·cia
ˌäs-tē-ō-mə-ˈlā-sh(ē-)ə
: a disease of adults that is characterized by softening of the bones and is analogous to rickets in the young
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