apatite

ap·a·tite

(ap'ă-tīt),

Generic name for a class of minerals with compositions that are variants of the formula D₅T₃M, where D is a divalent cation, T is a trivalent tetrahedral compound ion, and M is a monovalent anion; calcium phosphate apatites are important mineral constituents of bones and teeth. See: hydroxyapatite.

apatite

[ap′ətīt]

Etymology: Gk, apate, deceit

an inorganic mineral composed of calcium and phosphate that is found in the bones and teeth.

ap·a·tite

(ap'ă-tīt)

A class of naturally occurring crystalline minerals containing calcium and phosphorus; hydroxyapatite is a component of bones and teeth.
See also: fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite

ap·a·tite

(ap'ă-tīt)

Generic name for a class of minerals with compositions that are variants of the formula D₅T₃M, where D is a divalent cation, T is a trivalent tetrahedral compound ion, and M is a monovalent anion; calcium phosphate apatites are important mineral constituents of bones and teeth.

apatite (ap´ətīt),

n the inorganic mineral substance of teeth and bone. See also carbonate hydroxyapatite.

apatite

1. calcium phosphate; one of the two mineral constituents of bones and teeth.

2. fluorapatite; a naturally occurring rock mineral containing fluorine.

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apatite calculi

see apatite urolith.