ossify

[ os-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, os·si·fied, os·si·fy·ing.

1. to convert into or cause to harden like bone.

verb (used without object)

, os·si·fied, os·si·fy·ing.

1. to become bone or harden like bone.
2. to become rigid or inflexible in habits, attitudes, opinions, etc.:

   a young man who began to ossify right after college.

ossify

/ ˈɒsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to convert or be converted into bone
2. intr (of habits, attitudes, etc) to become inflexible

Derived Forms

• ˈossiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• ossi·fier noun
• un·ossi·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ossify¹

1705–15; < Latin ossi- (stem of os ) bone + -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of ossify¹

C18: from French ossifier, from Latin os bone + facere to make

Example Sentences

Valves of the Aorta of a cartilaginous texture, as if beginning to ossify.

From Project Gutenberg

The other element, the cartilaginous brain-box, does not ossify, and tends to become absorbed (p. 124).

From Project Gutenberg

There is a general growth to be observed, and the bones are beginning to ossify.

From Project Gutenberg

Maimuni, through his religious Code, gave rabbinical Judaism a strong hold, and on the other hand he helped to ossify it.

From Project Gutenberg

In the young animal the ends of both radius and ulna are seen to ossify from centres different from those forming the shafts.

From Project Gutenberg