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osteoclast

noun
os·​te·​o·​clast | \ ˈä-stÄ“-É™-ËŒklast How to pronounce osteoclast (audio) \

Definition of osteoclast

: any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption
Other Words from osteoclast Example Sentences Learn More about osteoclast

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Other Words from osteoclast

osteoclastic \ ˌä-​stÄ“-​É™-​ˈkla-​stik How to pronounce osteoclastic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of osteoclast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Resorption is the breakdown of old bones by osteoclasts, a type of bone cell. — Susan Scutti, CNN, "Experts streamline guidelines for treating osteoporosis," 8 May 2017 The first, osteoclasts, break down bone tissue as part of the process of repairing and maintaining any damage. — Danny Lewis, Smithsonian, "Fish Don’t Do So Well in Space," 16 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'osteoclast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of osteoclast

1872, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for osteoclast

International Scientific Vocabulary oste- + Greek klastos broken — more at clast

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More Definitions for osteoclast

osteoclast

noun
os·​teo·​clast | \ ˈäs-tÄ“-É™-ËŒklast How to pronounce osteoclast (audio) \

Medical Definition of osteoclast

1 : any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption (as in a fracture that is healing) — compare chondroclast
2 : an instrument for performing osteoclasis

Other Words from osteoclast

osteoclastic \ ˌäs-​tÄ“-​É™-​ˈklas-​tik How to pronounce osteoclastic (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on osteoclast

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about osteoclast

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