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1. Decreased calcification or density of bone; a descriptive term applicable to all skeletal systems in which such a condition is noted; carries no implication about causality. 2. Reduced bone mass due to inadequate osteoid synthesis. [osteo- + G. penia, poverty]
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os·teo·pe·nia .äs-tē-ō-'pē-nē-ə n reduction in bone volume to below normal levels esp. due to inadequate replacement of bone lost to normal lysis
os·teo·pe·nic -nik adj
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os·teo·pe·nia (os″te-o-peґne-ə) [osteo- + -penia] 1. any decrease in bone mass below the normal. 2. reduced bone mass due to a decrease in the rate of osteogenesis to the extent that there is insufficient compensation for normal bone lysis.Medical dictionary. 2011.