Pronunciation: ˌ ē -t ə - ' dr ō - ˌ n ā t, ˌ e-
Function: noun
Etymology: etidronic acid (of which etidronate is a salt), perhaps from et hyl i dene (the radical CH 3 CH) + hy dr- + phoph onic acid (an acid obtained from phosphine)
Date: 1971
: a white sodium salt C 2 H 6 Na 2 O 7 P 2 that inhibits the formation, growth, and dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals and is administered orally in the treatment of some bone diseases (as Paget's disease of bone) ― called also etidronate disodium