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rachitis

rachitis

9.9
A childhood disease where bones become soft from lack of vitamin D
  • noun
  • /ræˈkaɪtɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : raquitismo
  • Poor nutrition and limited exposure to sunlight can lead to rachitis in young children.

Examples

  • Children suffering from rachitis often have weak bones.

  • Physicians diagnosed the patient with rachitis after observing bone deformities.

  • Medical studies have shown that rachitis is preventable with adequate vitamin D intake.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with rachitis at a young age.

  • Medical studies have shown that rachitis is preventable with adequate vitamin D intake.

  • Poor nutrition and limited exposure to sunlight can lead to rachitis in young children.

  • Physicians diagnosed the patient with rachitis after observing bone deformities.

Synonyms

rickets
vsrachitis
  • Specialized
7.7

A childhood disease from not enough vitamin D that makes bones soft and weak

is the formal medical name that highlights metabolic impairment of calcium and phosphorus
rachitic condition
vsrachitis
  • Specialized
9.9

A bone illness in young children caused by not having enough vitamin D that makes bones weak or deformed

is the specific childhood disease defined by metabolic calcium and phosphorus impairment

Surface Forms

rachitis singular
rachitides plural

Morphology

rachitis = rachis (opaque) = rachis + itis

Although the form historically contains 'rachis' and '-itis', the modern disease sense 'rickets' is a lexicalized medical term that is not predictable from the parts alone.

Etymology

Rachitis is formed from Greek rhachis 'spine' plus -itis 'inflammation'; a helpful way to remember it is that it affects a child's bones and spine, causing soft or bowed bones, which is the condition usually called 'rickets'.