antirachitic
|an-ti-rack-i-tic|
/ˌæn.tɪˈræk.ɪ.tɪk/
against rickets
Etymology
'antirachitic' originates from New Latin/modern medical formation, specifically from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') combined with 'rachitic' (from Neo-Latin 'rachitis', ultimately from Greek 'rhakhis' meaning 'spine, backbone').
'antirachitic' developed in 19th-century medical Latin/English as a formation like 'antirachiticus' (medical Latin) and then entered English usage as 'antirachitic' in descriptions of substances or measures against rachitis/rickets.
Initially it meant 'acting against rachitis (literally against an inflammation/condition of the spine)', but over time it evolved to the current meaning 'preventing or curing rickets' (the nutritional disease largely associated with vitamin D deficiency).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or agent that prevents or cures rickets (an antirachitic agent, e.g. vitamin D).
Vitamin D was used as an antirachitic in the treatment of rickets.
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Adjective 1
preventing or curing rickets (the childhood disease caused by vitamin D deficiency); acting against rachitis.
An antirachitic diet rich in vitamin D reduced the incidence of the disease.
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Last updated: 2025/09/08 12:52