decalcify

American  

[dee-kal-suh-fahy] / diˈkæl səˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

decalcified, decalcifying

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

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verb (used without object)

decalcified, decalcifying

1. to become decalcified.

decalcify British  

/ diːˌkælsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən, diːˈkælsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• decalcification noun
• decalcifier noun
• nondecalcified adjective

Etymology

Origin of decalcify

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + calcify

Example Sentences

You’ll still need to decalcify your kettle from time to time, though the frequency depends on the hardness of your water.

From Slate • Oct. 26, 2018

The muscles, no longer required to work against gravity, weaken dangerously, and at the same time bones begin to decalcify.

From Time Magazine Archive