The word "rachitic" is spelled r-a-c-h-i-t-i-c, with stress on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /rəˈkɪtɪk/. The word describes a medical condition called rickets, which occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin D or calcium, resulting in weakened bones and abnormal growth. The word is derived from the Greek word "rachitis," meaning "inflammation of the spine." Hence, "rachitic" is used to describe a person suffering from rickets or related skeletal disorders.
The term "rachitic" is an adjective that refers to a medical condition known as rickets. Rickets is a disorder of the bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate levels. This condition primarily affects children and leads to poor bone development, resulting in soft and weak bones. The consequence of rickets is that the affected individual may experience skeletal deformities, delayed growth, and compromised overall health.
When used to describe a person or animal, "rachitic" points to their current state or symptomatology associated with rickets. Individuals suffering from rachitic conditions often display characteristic signs such as bowed legs, knocked knees, or a pigeon chest. As the term is closely connected to the improper formation and weakness of bones, it may imply that the affected person possesses a frail skeletal structure or is experiencing a related ailment.
Additionally, the adjective "rachitic" may be employed metaphorically to describe something that is weak, fragile, or insufficient. In this context, it refers to objects, ideas, or systems that demonstrate a lack of stability or strength, akin to the brittleness of bones affected by rickets. It is essential to differentiate between the literal medical meaning of "rachitic," related to the bone disorder, and its figurative usage, referring to the general sense of weakness or vulnerability.
Relating to, or suffering from, rickets, rickety.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to the muscles of the back; rickety.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rachitic" is derived from the medical term "rachitis", which refers to a disease called rickets. The term "rachitis" itself comes from the Greek word "rhakhis", meaning "spine". This is because the disease primarily affects the growth and development of bones, particularly in the spine. The suffix "-ic" in "rachitic" is a common morphological ending used to form adjectives in English.