lignify

[ lig-nuh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, lig·ni·fied, lig·ni·fy·ing.

1. to convert into wood; cause to become woody.

verb (used without object)

, lig·ni·fied, lig·ni·fy·ing.

1. to become wood or woody.

lignify

/ ˈlɪɡnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. botany to make or become woody as a result of the deposition of lignin in the cell walls

lignify

/ lĭg′nə-fī′ /

1. To make or become stiffer and stronger by the deposition of lignin.

Derived Forms

• ˌlignifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• ligni·fi·cation noun
• un·ligni·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lignify¹

First recorded in 1820–30; ligni- + -fy