osteoclast
noun
os·te·o·clast
ˈä-stē-ə-ˌklast 
: any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption
Examples of osteoclast in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Weakened bones: Myeloma stimulates the activity of osteoclasts that interfere with the activity of osteoblasts (bone-producing cells).
—
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
This group of drugs targets cells called osteoclasts to slow bone breakdown.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 July 2025
Furthermore, that group also had a significantly lower number of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone loss in pathological conditions like AP.
—New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Bone formation is coupled with bone resorption, as osteoblasts build bone at the same rate that osteoclasts resorb bone.
—Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
Throughout life, our bone tissue is maintained by bone-building osteoblasts working in harmony with counterpart cells called osteoclasts, which break down old bone that needs replacing.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
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Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
This group of drugs targets cells called osteoclasts to slow bone breakdown.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 6 July 2025
Furthermore, that group also had a significantly lower number of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone loss in pathological conditions like AP.
—New Atlas, 22 June 2025
Bone formation is coupled with bone resorption, as osteoblasts build bone at the same rate that osteoclasts resorb bone.
—Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
Throughout life, our bone tissue is maintained by bone-building osteoblasts working in harmony with counterpart cells called osteoclasts, which break down old bone that needs replacing.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Osteoclast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osteoclast. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
osteoclast
noun
os·teo·clast
ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌklast
1
: any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption (as in a fracture that is healing) compare chondroclast
2
: an instrument for performing osteoclasis
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