Osteoclast

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  osteoclast \os"te*o*clast\, n. [Osteo- + Gr. kla^n to break.]
     1. (Physiol.) Same as {myeloplax}, a large multinucleate cell
        within the bone, which functions in the absroption and
        removal of bone tissue.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  


     Note: The osteoclasts occur usually in pits or cavities which
           they appear to have excavated, and are supposed to be
           concerned in the absorption of the bone matrix.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An instrument for performing osteoclasis.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  osteoclast
       n : cell that functions in the breakdown and resorption of bone
           tissue