Ossify

Pronunciation: /ˈɔˌsɪˌfaɪ/

Definitions of ossify

verb to become bony or harden into bone; to change into bone or bony tissue

Example Sentences

A1 Bones ossify as we grow older.

A2 The process of ossification is essential for bone development.

B1 Lack of calcium in the diet can lead to slower ossification.

B2 In some medical conditions, tissues can ossify and become rigid.

C1 The ancient ruins have ossified over centuries, becoming part of the landscape.

C2 The government's policies have ossified, making it difficult to implement new ideas.

Examples of ossify in a Sentence

formal As we age, the cartilage in our joints may ossify, causing stiffness and pain.

informal I heard that if you don't move your arm after breaking it, the bone can ossify in a weird position.

slang Dude, if you keep skipping leg day, your muscles are just gonna ossify into flab.

figurative Over time, his rigid beliefs began to ossify, making it difficult for him to consider other perspectives.

Grammatical Forms of ossify

• past tense: ossified
• plural: ossifies
• comparative: more ossified
• superlative: most ossified
• present tense: ossifies
• future tense: will ossify
• perfect tense: has ossified
• continuous tense: is ossifying
• singular: ossifies
• positive degree: ossify
• infinitive: to ossify
• gerund: ossifying
• participle: ossified

Origin and Evolution of ossify

First Known Use: 1650 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'ossify' originates from the Latin word 'os', meaning bone, and the suffix '-ify', indicating the process of making or becoming.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in anatomical contexts to describe the hardening or turning into bone, the term 'ossify' has evolved to also metaphorically refer to becoming rigid or inflexible in beliefs or attitudes.