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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Rachitis \Ra*chi"tis\ (r[.a]*k[imac]"t[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
"rachi^tis (sc. nosos), fr. "ra`chis, -ios, the spine.]
[Written also {rhachitis}.]
1. (Med.) Literally, inflammation of the spine, but commonly
applied to the rickets. See {Rickets}.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Bot.) A disease which produces abortion in the fruit or
seeds. --Henslow.
[1913 Webster]


Rickets \Rick"ets\, n. pl. [Of uncertain origin; but cf. AS.
wrigian to bend, D. wrikken to shake, E. wriggle.] (Med.)
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}.
[1913 Webster]