noun
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the formation of or conversion into bone
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the process of ossifying or the state of being ossified
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The process of bone formation, brought about by the action of specialized bone cells called osteoclasts, which absorb old bone tissue, and osteoblasts, which form from osteoclasts and produce new bone tissue. This remodeling of bone is a constant process that maintains bone strength.
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See more at osteoblast osteoclast
Etymology
Origin of ossification
1690–1700; < Latin ossi-, combining form of os bone + -fication
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The ossification of the bone fragments also indicates that pressure was occasionally applied to the stump as the young hunter-gatherer probably rested on it after the limb was removed, he added.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 7, 2022
Bones can grow in thickness throughout life, but after age 25, ossification functions primarily in bone remodeling and repair.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Endochondral ossification is the process of bone development from hyaline cartilage.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
The effect of gravity and the lack of buoyancy on land meant that body weight was suspended on the limbs, leading to increased strengthening and ossification of the limbs.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
As ossification proceeds the nasals assume a triangular shape in dorsal view.
From Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca by Duellman, William E.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
