Definition

A disease in children caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to weak or soft bones.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the child with rachitis due to a lack of sunlight and vitamin D in their diet.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of rachitis?

Yeah, I think it's related to vitamin D deficiency, right?

Exactly! It can lead to bone problems in children.

That's really interesting; I didn't know it had such serious effects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rachitis → It is formed from "rachis" (from Greek "ραχίς", meaning spine or backbone) and the suffix "-itis" (meaning inflammation). The word "rachitis" refers to inflammation of the spine, but it is commonly used to describe a disease characterized by the softening of bones in children due to vitamin D deficiency.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rachis' which relates to the spine, and remember that 'rachitis' refers to inflammation affecting the bones, often linked to a deficiency.

Visually Confused Words