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

In such instances, a healthcare provider would more likely prescribe estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and help relieve symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

What is the science behind prunes and preventing osteoporosis? —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 3 July 2024

Calcium and vitamin D are key to managing osteoporosis and overall bone health. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Epigenetic modifications are also involved in inflammation across many disorders, as well as obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. —New Atlas, 28 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

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