The Vietnamese word "còi xương" refers to a condition known as "rickets" in English. This is a disease that affects bone development in children, leading to soft and weak bones, which can result in deformities. The condition is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
In a more advanced context, you might encounter discussions about the causes and effects of "còi xương," such as nutritional deficiencies or the importance of sunlight for vitamin D synthesis.
While "còi xương" primarily refers to rickets, in a more general sense, "còi" can be used to describe something that is weak or stunted in growth. For example, "còi cọc" can refer to a small and weak plant.
"Còi xương" is an important term in Vietnamese, especially in health discussions regarding children.