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

Advocates of raw milk make other arguments too: that skipping the pasteurization process can cure lactose intolerance, prevent osteoporosis, and provide superior nutrition, all claims the FDA and others dispute. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024

The Task Force also recommends that older adults be evaluated for the risk of osteoporosis. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2024

Several celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres and Sally Field, have shared their diagnosis of osteoporosis publicly. —Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Women under 65 with risk factors like a family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, early menopause, or chronic conditions may also need earlier testing. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 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