1 rickets | Definition of rickets
rick·​ets | \ ˈri-kÉ™ts How to pronounce rickets (audio) \

Definition of rickets

: a deficiency disease that affects the young during the period of skeletal growth, is characterized especially by soft and deformed bones, and is caused by failure to assimilate and use calcium and phosphorus normally due to inadequate sunlight or vitamin D

First Known Use of rickets

1634, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rickets

origin unknown

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More Definitions for rickets

rickets

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rickets

medical : a disease in children that is caused by a lack of vitamin D and that causes bones to become soft and to bend

rickets

noun
rick·​ets | \ ˈri-kÉ™ts How to pronounce rickets (audio) \

Kids Definition of rickets

: a disease especially of children in which the bones are soft and deformed and which is caused by lack of vitamin D
rick·​ets | \ ˈrik-É™ts How to pronounce rickets (audio) \

Medical Definition of rickets

: a deficiency disease that affects the young during the period of skeletal growth, is characterized especially by soft and deformed bones, and is caused by failure to assimilate and use calcium and phosphorus normally due to inadequate sunlight or vitamin D

called also rachitis

— see osteomalacia

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More from Merriam-Webster on rickets

Spanish Central: Translation of rickets

Nglish: Translation of rickets for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rickets