osteoclast

/ˈɑstioʊklæst/
noun
  1. A large cell that breaks down bone tissue, helping the body to remodel and reshape bones.
    • When osteoclasts work too fast, they can cause bone loss and lead to osteoporosis.
    • The body uses osteoclasts to break down bone during growth and healing.
    • Osteoclasts are important for keeping bones strong by removing old bone cells.