osteoclast
noun
os·te·o·clast ˈä-stē-ə-ˌklast 
: any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption
osteoclastic
ˌä-stē-ə-ˈkla-stik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Resorption is the breakdown of old bones by osteoclasts, a type of bone cell. 
Susan Scutti, CNN, 8 May 2017 The first, osteoclasts, break down bone tissue as part of the process of repairing and maintaining any damage. Danny Lewis, Smithsonian, 16 Jan. 2017
Susan Scutti, CNN, 8 May 2017 The first, osteoclasts, break down bone tissue as part of the process of repairing and maintaining any damage. Danny Lewis, Smithsonian, 16 Jan. 2017 Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary oste- + Greek klastos broken — more at clast
First Known Use
1872, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
osteoclast
noun
os·teo·clast ˈäs-tē-ə-ˌklast
1
: any of the large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption (as in a fracture that is healing) compare chondroclast
2
: an instrument for performing osteoclasis