osteoporosis

American

[os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis] / ˌɒs ti oʊ pəˈroʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

a disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous, brittle, and subject to fracture, owing to loss of calcium and other mineral components, sometimes resulting in pain, decreased height, and skeletal deformities: common in older persons, primarily postmenopausal women, but also associated with long-term steroid therapy and certain endocrine disorders.

osteoporosis British

/ ˌɒstɪəʊpɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

porosity and brittleness of the bones due to loss of calcium from the bone matrix

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

osteoporosis Scientific

/ ŏs′tē-ō-pə-rō′sĭs /

A bone disease characterized by decrease in bone mass and density, resulting in a predisposition to fractures and bone deformities such as the collapse of one or more vertebrae. It occurs most commonly in women after menopause as a result of estrogen deficiency. Calcium supplementation and weight-bearing exercise are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

osteoporosis Cultural

A softening of the bones that gradually increases and makes them more fragile. It is caused by the gradual loss of the mineral calcium, which helps make bones hard. Osteoporosis occurs most often in elderly women.

Discover More

Many experts now believe that osteoporosis can be prevented through regular exercise, mineral supplements, and a diet high in calcium.

Other Word Forms

osteoporotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of osteoporosis

First recorded in 1840–50; osteo- + Greek pór(os) “passage” ( pore ² ) + -osis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As women age and produce less estrogen, bone mass decreases, which can lead to osteopenia, thinning of the bones, and its more serious cousin, osteoporosis, which comes with a high risk of fracture.

From The Wall Street Journal

Blood tests revealed higher calcium levels and lower iron levels, changes associated with increased risks of osteoporosis and anemia.

From Science Daily

The launch of generic treatments in the U.S. for psoriasis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis helped to boost 2025 revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ailments like anemia, kidney stones and osteoporosis can arise as well, and most returning astronauts can barely walk under the sudden chains of gravity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Low intake of key vitamins and minerals can increase the risk of fatigue, weakened immune function, hair loss, and osteoporosis.

From Science Daily

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023