keratinize

American  

[ker-uh-tn-ahyz] / ˈkɛr ə tnˌaɪz /

especially British, keratinise

verb (used with or without object)

keratinized, keratinizing

1. to make or become keratinous.

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keratinize British  

/ kɪˈrætɪˌnaɪz, ˈkɛrətɪ- /

verb

1. to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin

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Other Word Forms

• keratinization
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of keratinize

First recorded in 1895–1900; keratin + -ize

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

keratinized keratinizing

Once they transform into adults and their skin becomes keratinized, they become vulnerable to infection, often leading to mass die offs.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

These results indicate that the genetic programme for the development of keratinized claws originated in a common ancestor of humans and frogs.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 18, 2024

Nuptial pads are raised, keratinized areas—like a sandpaper patch—on the male's hands that allow him to hold onto the female's slippery skin during mating.

From National Geographic ● Mar. 24, 2018

It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Osteocephalus verrucigerus differs from other members of the genus by the presence of numerous, large tubercles bearing keratinized tips.

From A Synopsis of Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Osteocephalus by William E. Duellman

The outermost epidermis consists of stratified squamous keratinizing epithelium with an underlying basement membrane.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

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