osteoclast
osteoclast , noun
[Osteo- + Greek kla^n to break.]
1.
(Physiology) Same as myeloplax, a large multinucleate cell within the bone, which functions in the absorption and removal of bone tissue.
The osteoclasts occur usually in pits or cavities which they appear to have excavated, and are supposed to be concerned in the absorption of the bone matrix.
2.
An instrument for performing osteoclasis.