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.
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.
