ossification

[ os-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

See synonyms for: ossification ossifications on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of ossifying.
the state of being ossified.

something that has ossified; a bony formation.

Origin of ossification

1690–1700; <Latin ossi-, combining form of os bone + -fication

Words Nearby ossification

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ossification in a sentence

In his study of centres of ossification, Owen made in point of theory a distinct advance on his predecessors.
Form and Function | E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell
When ossification sets in, the ear-capsule forms three bones, of which two fuse with the supraoccipital and exoccipitals.
Form and Function | E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell
The foundations of the skull are now complete, and ossification gradually sets in.
Form and Function | E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell
Three rings of bone forming three more or less complete vertebræ are the final result of ossification.
Form and Function | E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell
In the same way the process of ossification supplants the cartilaginous skeleton.
Form and Function | E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell

British Dictionary definitions for ossification

ossification

/ (ˌɒsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən) /

noun

the formation of or conversion into bone
the process of ossifying or the state of being ossified

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ossification

ossification

[ ŏs′ə-fĭ-kā′shən ]

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. See more at osteoblast osteoclast.

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