scarification

[ skar-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

See synonyms for scarification on Thesaurus.com

noun

The act or result of making scratches or superficial incisions in the skin to produce an immune response or administer certain injections: Scarification is a common method of sensitizing the skin for contact with an allergen.
an act or instance of scratching, cutting, or burning a design or image into the skin, in order to create permanent decorative or symbolic scars; scarifying:Because it’s riskier than tattooing and piercing, not all body mod shops offer scarification.

a design or image made by scars as the result of scratching, cutting, or burning it into the skin: A king was required to have the traditional facial scarification particular to his clan.

Origin of scarification

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English scarificacioun, from Old French scarificacion and Late Latin scarīficātiōn- (stem of scarīficātiō ); see scarify, -ation

Words Nearby scarification

How to use scarification in a sentence

He frequently pretends to suck out such an object by the application of the lips alone, without any scarification whatever.
The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees | James Mooney
scarification is quite common, and is used for a singular purpose.
The Medicine-Men of the Apache. (1892 N 09 / 1887-1888 (pages 443-604)) | John G. Bourke
Operative—scarification, either punctate or linear, and erosion with the curette.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin | Henry Weightman Stelwagon
Figure 20 represents scarification as a form of grief-expression for the dead.
A further contribution to the study of the mortuary customs of the North American Indians | H. C. Yarrow
The dancers then performed for their benefit, making a great deal of fun both of the children and of the scarification ceremony.
Ceremonies of the Pomo Indians | Samuel Alfred Barrett

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