# osteoporosis

/ˌɔstiˌɑpɝˈoʊsɪs/ (US) · /ˌɒstɪˌɒpɔːɹˈəʊsɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/osteoporosis
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a medical condition where your bones become weak and brittle. It makes it easier for you to break a bone, even from a small fall.

For teachers: a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.

## Examples

- Regular exercise helps prevent osteoporosis in older adults.
- Doctors often recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements to patients at risk of developing osteoporosis.
- While osteoporosis is often associated with aging, it can affect individuals of any age, particularly those with a family history of the condition or those who have undergone certain hormonal treatments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.