calcifyv.

/ˈkalsɪfʌɪ/

Etymology: < Latin calc(i)- lime + -fy suffix; on the type of a Latin *calci-ficāre, French calcifier.

Physiology.

1. transitive. To convert into lime; to replace other matter by lime; to harden by the deposit of lime.

ΚΠ

1851 S. P. Woodward Man. Mollusca i. 42 Each layer was successively calcified..and thrown off by the mantle to unite with those previously formed.

1861 R. T. Hulme tr. C. H. Moquin-Tandon Elements Med. Zool. ii. iii. iii. 97 The stones are gradually dissolved, and serve to calcify and harden the new skin.

2. intransitive. To become calcified; see sense 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > substance > [verb (intransitive)] > hardened or horny

calcify1859

keratinize1896

1859 J. Tomes Syst. Dental Surg. (1873) 3 The edges of the front teeth first assume their full dimensions in the form of pulp, and then calcify.

1876 J. Van Duyn & E. C. Seguin tr. E. L. Wagner Man. Gen. Pathol. 259 The fibrin calcifies, becoming a fixed, continuous stone-like mass.

Derivatives

ˈcalcified adj.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > substance > [adjective] > hardened or horny

cornigerous1646

calcified1835

calcifying1836

cornified1859

calcific1869

keratoida1883

1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 116/1 The chorion of the ova is generally thin or coriaceous, seldom calcified or hard.

1880 A. Günther Introd. Study of Fishes 315 Covered with calcified papillæ.

ˈcalcifying n. and adj.

ΘΚΠ