Decalcification is a process that's commonly associated with the removal of calcium deposits or ions from a particular substance, usually bones or teeth. Synonyms for the word "decalcification" include "demineralization," which is often used in reference to water that's been purified by removing minerals, "osteoporosis," which refers to a medical condition characterized by the loss of bone mass, and "dental erosion," which involves the gradual wearing away of enamel from teeth due to the action of acid. Other synonyms for decalcification include "chelation," which involves the use of a chemical agent to remove certain minerals from a substance, and "dissolution," which is the process of breaking down or dissolving a substance into its constituent parts.