Definition

A type of drug that helps to prevent bone loss by slowing down the process of bone breakdown.

Example

Doctors often prescribe bisphosphonates to patients with osteoporosis to help strengthen their bones.

Conversation

Have you heard about bisphosphonate medications for bone health?

Yeah, I think they help with conditions like osteoporosis, right?

Exactly! They slow down bone loss by affecting the osteoclasts.

That's interesting! I should look into it for my mom.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bisphosphonate → It is formed from "bi-" (meaning two) and "phosphon-" (derived from "phosphorus", meaning light-bearing or related to phosphorus) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a salt or ester of an acid). The word refers to a class of drugs that contain two phosphorus atoms, used to treat conditions like osteoporosis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('bi-') phosphorus atoms ('phosphon-') in a chemical compound, which helps you remember that bisphosphonate refers to a drug containing two phosphorus.

Visually Confused Words