osteocalcin

noun

os·​teo·​cal·​cin -ˈkal-sən How to pronounce osteocalcin (audio)
: a protein that is found in the extracellular matrix of bone and in the serum of circulating blood, is produced by osteoblasts especially in the presence of vitamin K but is not a collagen, and when present at excessive levels in serum may be indicative of various disorders (as Paget's disease or postmenopausal osteoporosis) of bone metabolism

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Osteocalcin.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/osteocalcin. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!