What does osteoporosis mean?
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which bones lose density and their internal supporting structure becomes less robust. The condition can make bones more fragile and substantially increase the risk of fractures, especially of the hip, wrist, spine, and ribs. It often develops gradually without obvious symptoms, so a fracture may be the first sign of serious bone weakening. The risk is higher in older adults and is influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, low calcium or vitamin D intake, inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and certain medications. Diagnosis commonly involves bone-density testing, and treatment may include nutritional and lifestyle changes alongside medicines that help preserve or rebuild bone. Osteoporosis should not be confused with osteopenia, which describes reduced bone density that has not reached the diagnostic threshold for osteoporosis.
nounA skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone density and deterioration of bone structure, making bones weaker and more vulnerable to fractures. It is especially associated with older adults but can occur at any age.
- A systemic skeletal disorder involving reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, resulting in increased fragility and susceptibility to fractures.
"Regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis."
"Her doctor diagnosed osteoporosis after a hip fracture."
"Bone-density testing can help identify people who have osteoporosis or are at increased risk of developing it."
The plural is uncommon in ordinary usage because the condition is normally referred to in the singular or as a mass noun; it may occur in technical or general medical writing.
"The clinic provides treatment for osteoporoses and other forms of metabolic bone disease."
Osteoporosis can progress for years without obvious symptoms, often revealing itself only when a relatively minor fall causes a fracture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does osteoporosis come from?
The word comes from Greek osteon, meaning 'bone,' combined with poros, meaning 'porous,' and the suffix -osis, used in medical terminology to denote a condition or process. Its formation reflects the characteristic porous, weakened structure of affected bone. The elements continue in related medical and scientific words such as osteology, osteopathy, and porosity.
Related word forms
How osteoporosis is actually used
In medical and public-health usage, the term is commonly used as a mass noun: 'osteoporosis is common among older adults.' It is not normally used to describe individual bones. Informal expressions such as 'brittle bone disease' are intelligible but less suitable for formal writing.
Easily confused with osteoporosis
Osteopenia is reduced bone density that has not yet reached the diagnostic threshold for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis weakens bone density and fracture resistance, whereas osteoarthritis involves degeneration of joint cartilage and related joint changes.