Osseous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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osseous

[ˈɒsɪəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

anatomy

Relating to or consisting of bone; bony.

Synonyms

bone-like, bony, skeletal.

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Word Description / Examples
osseous

Also used in medical or biological terms similar to 'osseous' to describe tissues or structures related to bone.

  • The patient showed significant osseous growths
  • Osseous lesions were found during the examination
bony

Descriptive term often used to describe a person or animal that appears very thin with visible bones; can have a negative connotation.

  • The stray dog looked very bony and in need of food
  • She had a bony frame after months of dieting
bone-like

Utilized in everyday language or descriptive writing to indicate that something resembles bone in appearance or texture.

  • The sculpture had a bone-like texture
  • The artifact was made from a material that felt bone-like to the touch
skeletal

Used to describe something that relates to or resembles a skeleton; can be used in both scientific and informal contexts, sometimes with negative implications when referring to extreme thinness.

  • The skeletal remains were found in the excavation site
  • The model's skeletal appearance concerned the audience

Examples of usage

  • The osseous structure of the skull provides protection for the brain.
  • An osseous tumor was discovered during the X-ray examination.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bone tissue is not just a static framework; it's a dynamic organ that constantly renews itself through a process called remodeling.
  • Bones are made up of calcium phosphate, which gives them strength and structure, making them osseous.
  • Osteoporosis, a condition associated with aging, is when bones become less dense and weaker, showing the significance of maintaining healthy osseous tissue.

Art and Culture

  • In art, skeletal imagery often symbolizes mortality and the fragility of life, highlighting the osseous structures underneath.
  • Many cultures use bone in decorative arts; for instance, bone carving is a traditional craft in various Indigenous cultures.
  • In literature, the imagery of bones and skeletons often conveys themes of death or the passage of time, contrasting the physical osseous form with human life.

Medicine

  • Medical professionals study osseous anatomy extensively for surgeries, diagnostics, and treatments of skeletal disorders.
  • X-rays can reveal osseous issues, helping doctors diagnose fractures or diseases within the skeleton.
  • Bone marrow, which is found within the hollow parts of some bones, plays a crucial role in producing blood cells.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'osseous' appears in various horror films and literature, often when discussing skeletons or the undead.
  • Popular fantasy games frequently feature 'osseous' creatures like skeletons, emphasizing their bony structure as a central theme of undead mythology.
  • In fashion, skeleton motifs have become a trend, often seen in designs that highlight the connection to the osseous structure.

Origin of 'osseous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'osseus', meaning 'bony', derived from 'os', which means 'bone'.
  • In the 14th century, this term made its way into English, reflecting the study of anatomy.
  • It's used to denote the hard structures in vertebrates, emphasizing the importance of bones in bodily structure.

The word 'osseous' originated from the Latin word 'osseus', which means 'bony'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe anything related to bones or bone-like structures.


See also: OS.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,993, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.