cornification

[kawr-nuh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

Biology.

1. the formation of a horny layer of skin, or horny skin structures, as hair, nails, or scales, from squamous epithelial cells.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornification¹

First recorded in 1835–45; corn ² + -i- + -fication

Example Sentences

Once they reach the top of the epidermis, they undergo a programmed death, cornification, to create a protective barrier of dead cells.

From Science Daily

The tongue is studded over with white patches, which result from overgrowth and cornification of the surface epithelium, whereby it becomes thickened and raised above the surface, and at the same time there is small-celled infiltration of the submucous tissue.

From Project Gutenberg