How Do You Spell OSTEOCLASTIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒstɪəklˈastɪk] (IPA)

The word "osteoclastic" refers to the process of breaking down bone tissue. Its spelling can be tricky, but it can be broken down into three parts: osteo-, -clast-, and -ic. "Osteo-" comes from the Greek word for bone, "klast-" means to break, and "-ic" indicates that something is related to or characterized by something else. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be spelled as [ɑstiəˈklastik]. Proper spelling is important to ensure clear communication in medical contexts where this term is frequently used.

OSTEOCLASTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Osteoclastic refers to a process or agent that is related to osteoclasts, which are specialized cells involved in bone remodeling. The term "osteoclastic" derives from the combination of "osteo," meaning bone, and "clastic," signifying "to break down or dissolve."

   In the context of bone biology, osteoclastic refers to the action or function of osteoclasts in the resorption or destruction of bone tissue. Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption, a crucial process in maintaining the balance between bone formation and breakdown. They exhibit a unique ability to break down and remove old or damaged bone, allowing for the replacement and repair of bone tissue throughout life. This resorption process is essential for bone growth, remodeling, and repair, as well as maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone integrity.

   Osteoclastic activity is regulated by various factors, including hormones, growth factors, and cytokines, that influence the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. Excessive osteoclastic activity can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, where more bone is being broken down than rebuilt, resulting in weakened bones prone to fractures.

   In summary, osteoclastic refers to processes, substances, or actions associated with the function and activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for removing old bone tissue during bone remodeling.

2. Causing absorption of bone-tissue. Relating to an osteoclast in either sense.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OSTEOCLASTIC

• osteoclasic
• Osteoplastik
• osteoplastry
• osteoclasitc
• osteoclastsic
• Osteoplastich
• Osteoplastick
• Osteoclastey

Etymology of OSTEOCLASTIC

The word "osteoclastic" is derived from two main components: "osteo-" and "-clastic".

1. "Osteo-" is a combining form that comes from the Greek word "ostéon", meaning "bone". It is commonly used in medical terminology related to bones and skeletal systems.

2. "-Clastic" is derived from the Greek word "klastos", which means "broken or shattered". This root is often used to refer to something that destroys or breaks apart a particular substance.

Therefore, the term "osteoclastic" refers to something that breaks down or destroys bone tissue. In medical context, this word relates specifically to cells called "osteoclasts" that are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone tissue.