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

Some evidence suggests that not getting enough magnesium over time could raise your risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 25 June 2026

Over time, this shift can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. — Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026

Women tend to have higher rates of conditions linked to vitamin D deficiency, like osteoporosis. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 June 2026

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

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