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  

/ ˈkɛrətɪ-, kɪˈrætɪˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin

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Other Word Forms

• keratinization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of keratinize

First recorded in 1895–1900; keratin + -ize

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

The basal layer consists of cuboidal cells, whereas the outer layers are squamous, keratinized cells, so the whole epithelium is often described as being keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

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 Duellman, William E.

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

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015