Word History

Etymology

New Latin rachitis rickets, from Greek rhachitis spinal disease, from rhachis

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rachitic was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rachitic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rachitic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

rachitic

adjective
: of, relating to, or affected by rickets
rachitic lesions
a rachitic child
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