Childhood disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and sunlight associated with impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus; SYN. rachitis.
Defective growth of bone in children due to an insufficiency of calcium deposits. The bones, which do not harden adequately, are bent out of shape. It is usually caused by a lack of vitamin D and insufficient exposure to sunlight. Renal rickets, also a condition of malformed bone, is associated with kidney disease.