-osteoclast-

n. [ Osteo- + Gr. kla^n to break. ] 1. (Physiol.) Same as myeloplax, a large multinucleate cell within the bone, which functions in the absroption and removal of bone tissue. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

☞ The osteoclasts occur usually in pits or cavities which they appear to have excavated, and are supposed to be concerned in the absorption of the bone matrix. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An instrument for performing osteoclasis. [ 1913 Webster ]