malacia

/ˌmæləˈsiːə/

Definitions

1. noun

A condition of softening or weakening of a part of the body, such as bone or cartilage.

“The doctor diagnosed him with osteomalacia, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin D.”

2. noun

A pathological softening of tissues, especially in the bones.

“The patient’s malacia was a result of the prolonged medication side effect.”

Synonyms

  • deterioration
  • softening

Antonyms

  • calcification
  • hardening