Deossify

/ˌdiːˈɒsɪfaɪ/ verb

Definition

To cause bone to lose its hardness or become softer; to reverse the process of bone hardening.

Etymology

From de- (reverse) + ossify (from Latin os, bone + facere, to make). This is the verb form of deossification, meaning to cause bone demineralization.

Kelly Says

Deossify is almost never used in modern medical literature because doctors prefer 'decalcify' or 'demineralize,' but understanding how disease can literally reverse bone formation is crucial for treating elderly patients with osteoporosis.

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