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.
Ossification begins approximately six weeks after fertilization in an embryo.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Ossification begins as mesenchymal cells form a template of the future bone.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Ossification is distinct from the process of calcification; whereas calcification takes place during the ossification of bones, it can also occur in other tissues.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Ossification is the first step on the road to extinction for great ideas.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2015
Ossification in Muscles of Trunk in generalised Ossifying Myositis 419 113.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis
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.
