decalcify

[ dee-kal-suh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cal·ci·fied, de·cal·ci·fy·ing.

1. to deprive of lime or calcareous matter, as a bone.

verb (used without object)

, de·cal·ci·fied, de·cal·ci·fy·ing.

1. to become decalcified.

decalcify

/ diːˌkælsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən; diːˈkælsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to remove calcium or lime from (bones, teeth, etc)

Derived Forms

• deˈcalciˌfier, noun
• decalcification, noun

Other Words From

• de·calci·fier noun
• nonde·calci·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decalcify¹

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + calcify