n.
Abnormal softening or degeneration of cartilage of the joints, especially of the knee.
[CHONDRO- + Greek malakiā, softness (from malakos, soft).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
