noun
rickets
RIK-its/ˈrɪkɪts/
A childhood disease that softens and weakens bones, usually caused by a lack of vitamin D.
The child’s bowed legs are a feature associated with rickets.
Etymology
Rickets began as a local disease name in Dorset and Somerset, but its roots are uncertain. The medical name rachitis was chosen to resemble rickets, so its Greek 'spine' root does not explain the English word.
In context
preventing rickets or bowed legs in childhood we've basically eliminated rickets in developed countries
More examples
- The lesson explains how a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets.
- Treatment addresses the weakened bones associated with rickets.
- The report tracks a decline in cases of rickets.
Forms
rickets