halisteresis

9.9

A loss of minerals like calcium from bones that makes them weak

noun

Specialized

: halisteresis

The doctor explained that halisteresis occurs when the body loses essential minerals from bone tissue.

Examples

Also, an X-ray showing halisteresis (thinning of the bones) in an underweight child should raise suspicion of anorexia or other eating disorders.

Academic text (2003)
If thinning of bones is visible on a plain X-ray (halisteresis), a deficit of at least 30% in bone mineral is usually present.

Academic text (2003)
Symptoms of halisteresis may include increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures.
Regular check-ups can help diagnose halisteresis before it leads to serious bone health issues.

Synonyms

decalcification

vshalisteresis

Specialized

1 8.3

Loss of calcium from bones or teeth that makes them weak

is limited to bones and not to teeth or other tissues

osteolysis

vshalisteresis

Specialized

1 9.9

Loss of bone tissue caused by disease, infection, or poor blood flow

refers to mineral loss without implying tissue destruction

demineralization

vshalisteresis

Specialized

8.2

Loss of minerals from bones or teeth that makes them weak

is the neutral term for mineral loss not stressing abnormality

deossification

vshalisteresis

Specialized

9.9

Loss of the hard parts of bones that makes them weak

focuses on the loss itself rather than the process of change

Surface Forms

halisteresis singular

halistereses plural

Morphology

halisteresis = hali + steresis

A technical Greek-derived formation: the components are combining forms not productive or familiar to average learners, so the meaning cannot be derived from common English base words.

Etymology

The word halisteresis is made of two parts: hali- meaning 'salt' and -steresis meaning 'loss' or 'taking away'. So, it literally means 'loss of salt', which helps remember that it describes the loss of mineral salts, such as calcium, from bone.