RICKETS

rickets, rachitis

(noun) childhood disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and sunlight associated with impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

rickets (uncountable)

(pathology) A disorder of infancy and early childhood caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, causing soft bones.

Synonyms

• rachitis, rhachitis

Anagrams

• restick, sticker, tickers

Source: Wiktionary


Rick"ets, n. pl. Etym: [Of uncertain origin; but cf. AS. wrigian to bend, D. wrikken to shake, E. wriggle.] (Med.)

Definition: A disease which affects children, and which is characterized by a bulky head, crooked spine and limbs, depressed ribs, enlarged and spongy articular epiphyses, tumid abdomen, and short stature, together with clear and often premature mental faculties. The essential cause of the disease appears to be the nondeposition of earthy salts in the osteoid tissues. Children afflicted with this malady stand and walk unsteadily. Called also rachitis.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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Coffee Trivia

Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.

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