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

See Examples For:

decalcify decalcified

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

The body parts deteriorated, and the skeletal remains decalcified.

From New York Times ● Apr. 10, 2012

On the 11th this second leaf began to re-expand; the fragment was manifestly softened, and Dr. Klein reports, "a great deal of enamel and the greater part of the dentine decalcified."

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

The enamel and dentine both now somewhat softened; and Dr. Klein reports, "less than half the enamel, but the greater part of the dentine decalcified."

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

He informs me that both presented the normal appearance of decalcified bone, with traces of the earthy salts occasionally left.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

Dr. Klein reports, "a great deal of enamel and the greater part of the dentine decalcified."

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles