ossify

Meaning

1. (ambitransitive) To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals.
2. (ambitransitive, animate) To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
3. (ambitransitive, inanimate) To grow (or cause to grow) formulaic and permanent.
4. (rare) To calcify.

Opposite of

deossify

Synonyms

rigidify

fossilize

harden

petrify

establish

osteogenesis

grow stiff

tenure

turn to stone

Translations

verknöchern

osificarse

ossificar

οστεοποιώ

ακινητοποιούμαι

pétrifier

se racornir

s’ossifier

irrigidire

pietrificare

ossificarsi

verharden

verstenen

verbenen

ossificar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɒs.ɪ.faɪ/

Etymology

Back-formation from ossification, or modeled on French ossifier and formed from Latin os, ossis (“bone”) + -ify.