Definition

A condition in adults where bones become soft and weak due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium, leading to pain and an increased risk of fractures.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with osteomalacia after she complained of bone pain and weakness.

Conversation

Have you heard about osteomalacia?

Yeah, I read it's caused by a lack of vitamin D, right?

Exactly! It's pretty serious since it makes bones softer.

I hope people are getting the right nutrients to avoid that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Osteomalacia → It is formed from "osteo-" (from Greek "osteon", meaning bone) and "malacia" (from Greek "malakia", meaning softness). The word "osteomalacia" refers to the condition of softening of the bones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bone' ('osteo-') becoming 'soft' ('malacia') — that's what osteomalacia means, a condition where bones become soft.

Visually Confused Words