resorption /risôrp″shən/ [L, resorbere, to swallow again] , 1. the loss of substance or bone by physiological or pathological means, such as the reduction of the volume and size of the residual ridge of the mandible or maxillae. 2. the cementoclastic and dentinoclastic action that may occur on a tooth root. Also called external resorption, internal resporption.
