- A disease which affects children, and which is
characterized by a bulky head, crooked spine and limbs, depressed ribs,
enlarged and spongy articular epiphyses, tumid abdomen, and short
stature, together with clear and often premature mental faculties. The
essential cause of the disease appears to be the nondeposition of
earthy salts in the osteoid tissues. Children afflicted with this
malady stand and walk unsteadily. Called also rachitis.
Definition
[ n. pl.]