cicatrize

[ sik-uh-trahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, cic·a·trized, cic·a·triz·ing.

1. Physiology. to heal by inducing the formation of a cicatrix.

verb (used without object)

, cic·a·trized, cic·a·triz·ing.

1. to become healed by the formation of a cicatrix.

cicatrize

/ ˈsɪkəˌtraɪz /

verb

1. (of a wound or defect in tissue) to close or be closed by scar formation; heal

Derived Forms

• ˌcicaˈtrizant, adjective
• ˈcicaˌtrizer, noun
• ˌcicatriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• cica·trizant adjective
• cica·tri·zation noun
• cica·trizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cicatrize¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word cicātrizāre. See cicatrix, -ize

Example Sentences

Humility is also a healing virtue; it will cicatrize a thousand wounds, which pride would keep for ever open.

From Project Gutenberg

There are certain pains that nothing can alleviate, nor heal, and there are wounds that nothing can cicatrize.

From Project Gutenberg

The wound is beginning to cicatrize, and generates laudable pus.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the ulcers cicatrize without previous deposit of false membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

It is certain that Brinton under-estimates the number of recoveries when he computes that only one-half of the ulcers cicatrize.

From Project Gutenberg