ossify Meaning & Definition
What Does Ossify Mean?
Ossify is a verb that means To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals. It is also used to mean To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
Ossify: Key Facts
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈɒs.ɪ.faɪ// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | harden |
| Verb forms | ossifies, ossifying, ossified |
Ossify Definition (Verb)
- To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals.
- To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
- To grow (or cause to grow) formulaic and permanent.
- To calcify.
Verb
- (animate) To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
- (inanimate) To grow (or cause to grow) formulaic and permanent.
Synonyms of Ossify
Ossify synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Ossify
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Ossify in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
ossify (third-person singular simple present ossifies, present participle ossifying, simple past and past participle ossified)
Words That Rhyme With Ossify
Origin of Ossify
Back-formation from ossification, or modeled on French ossifier and formed from Latin os, ossis (“bone”) + -ify.[1]
How to Pronounce Ossify
The standard pronunciation of ossify is //ˈɒs.ɪ.faɪ//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Ossify
What part of speech is ossify?
Ossify is a verb.
What is another word for ossify?
You can replace ossify with words such as harden. See the full list of ossify synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of ossify?
The past tense of ossify is ossified. The present participle is ossifying.