osteophyte

noun

os·​teo·​phyte ˈä-stē-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce osteophyte (audio)
: an abnormal bony outgrowth or projection (such as one occurring near a joint affected by osteoarthritis) : bone spur

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of osteophyte was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near osteophyte

osteophage

osteophyte

osteoplast

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Osteophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osteophyte. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

osteophyte

noun
os·​teo·​phyte ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce osteophyte (audio)
: an abnormal bony outgrowth or projection (as near a joint affected by osteoarthritis) : bone spur
osteophytic
ˌäs-tē-ə-ˈfit-ik How to pronounce osteophyte (audio)
adjective
osteophytic growth
osteophytic spurs
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