osteoporosis

noun

os·​te·​o·​po·​ro·​sis ˌä-stē-ō-pə-ˈrō-səs 

plural osteoporoses ˌä-stē-ō-pə-ˈrō-ˌsēz 

: a condition that affects especially older women and is characterized by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing porosity and fragility

osteoporotic

ˌä-stē-ō-pə-ˈrä-tik 

adjective

Examples of osteoporosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Low bone density and osteoporosis increase the risk of fractures and mobility issues, Espinoza-Peralta says, which can rob older women of their independence, put them at risk of blood clots, and in severe cases even lead to early death. — Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 15 June 2026

By Carolyn Todd For The Washington Post Bone strength is something many people don’t think about much until something goes wrong, such as an unexpected fracture or an osteoporosis diagnosis. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

In experiments, mice without the GPR133 gene developed early bone loss resembling osteoporosis. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

For anyone managing osteoporosis risk today, that’s reason for optimism about the long-term pipeline, not a near-term solution. — Allison Palmer june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from oste- + porosis rarefaction, from porus pore + -osis

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for osteoporosis

• amyloidosis
• anaplasmosis
• anastomosis
• aponeurosis
• apotheosis
• aspergillosis
• blastomycosis
• coccidiosis
• cryptococcosis
• cysticercosis
• endocytosis
• exocytosis

Kids Definition

osteoporosis

noun

os·​te·​o·​po·​ro·​sis ˌäs-tē-ō-pə-ˈrō-səs 

: a condition affecting especially older women that is characterized by weak bones that are easily broken

Medical Definition

osteoporosis

noun

os·​teo·​po·​ro·​sis ˌäs-tē-ō-pə-ˈrō-səs 

plural osteoporoses -ˌsēz 

: a condition that affects especially older women and is characterized by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing porosity and brittleness

osteoporotic

-ˈrät-ik 

adjective