calcify

American  

[kal-suh-fahy] / ˈkæl səˌfaɪ /

verb (used with or without object)

calcified, calcifying

1. Physiology. to make or become calcareous or bony; harden by the deposit of calcium salts.

2. Geology. to harden by deposition of calcium carbonate.

3. to make or become rigid or intransigent, as in a political position.

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calcify British  

/ ˈkælsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to convert or be converted into lime

2. to harden or become hardened by impregnation with calcium salts

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Other Word Forms

• noncalcified adjective
• uncalcified adjective

Etymology

Origin of calcify

First recorded in 1830–40; calci- + -fy

Example Sentences

But amid the platitudes, sadness and shock is calcifying into anger and tension.

From BBC

In response to a detailed list of questions, a senior State Department official said fast, drastic changes to foreign aid were necessary to reform a “calcified system.”

From Salon

As they feed on seaweed and seagrass, they trim back algae and help protect slow-growing species such as corals and certain calcifying algae.

From Science Daily

Networking isn’t like traditional manufacturing or energy infrastructure where market share calcifies over decades.

From Barron's

“Yes, there he is, look at that — calcified knees,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times