Dictionary

osteoarthropathy Any disease of the bones and joints. From osteo-, bone + -arthro-, joint, + pathy, disease.

osteoarthritis See arthritis, degenerative.

osteo- Prefix meaning bone, as in osteogenesis (the production of bone) and osteosarcoma (cancer arising in the bone).

osteitis fibrosa cystica A condition that is associated with excessive parathyroid hormone production (hyperparathyroidism), in which bone tissue becomes soft and deformed. Treatment is directed toward the underlying parathyroid condition and relieving any bone pain.

osteitis deformans See Paget’s disease.

osteitis Inflammation of the bone.

ossify To harden.

ossification 1 The normal process of bone growth. 2 Hardening, becoming bone-like.

ossicle Any small bone, such as the tiny bones within the human ear.

osseous Having to do with bone, consisting of bone, or resembling bone.

osmolarity, plasma The osmolarity of blood plasma, which is a measure of the hydration status of the body. The plasma osmolarity is sensitive to changes in hydration status during dehydration and rehydration.

osmolarity The concentration of osmotically active particles in solution, which may be quantitatively expressed in osmoles of solute per liter of solution.