calcification

[ kal-suh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. a changing into lime.
2. Physiology. the deposition of lime or insoluble salts of calcium and magnesium, as in a tissue.
3. Anatomy, Geology. a calcified formation.
4. a soil process in which the surface soil is supplied with calcium in such a way that the soil colloids are always close to saturation.
5. a hardening or solidifying; rigidity:

   As the conflict developed, there was an increasing calcification of attitudes on both sides.

calcification

/ kăl′sə-fĭ-kā′shən /

1. Medicine.
   1. The accumulation of calcium or calcium salts in a body tissue. Calcification normally occurs in the formation of bone, but can be deposited abnormally, as in the lungs.
   2. A structure that has undergone calcification.
2. Geology.
   1. The replacement of organic material, especially original hard material such as bone, with calcium carbonate during the process of fossilization.
   2. The accumulation of calcium in certain soils, especially soils of cool temperate regions where leaching takes place very slowly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calcification¹

First recorded in 1840–50; calcific + -ation

Example Sentences

Given our growing social calcification, the need to boost growth and social mobility is great.

From The Daily Beast

As for the calcification of the two valves together, we have seen, under the last variety, how little important a character it is.

From Project Gutenberg

Any deviation in calcification (except the cusps of the first permanent molars) must occur after birth.

From Project Gutenberg

The illustration (Fig. 50) shows the progress of calcification and development of the temporary set of teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

The notochord is persistent and the calcification of the endoskeletal cartilage is only superficial.

From Project Gutenberg

Tectospondyli (Squatina, Raia, Trygon), in which there are several concentric rings of calcification.

From Project Gutenberg