ossifying

2 definitions found

ossifying - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Ossify \Os"si*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ossified; p. pr. & vb.
     n. Ossifying.] [L. os, ossis, bone + -fy: cf. F. ossifier.
     See Osseous.]
     1. (Physiol.) To form into bone; to change from a soft animal
        substance into bone, as by the deposition of lime salts.
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     2. (Fig.): To harden; as, to ossify the heart. --Ruskin.
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  Ossifying \Os"si*fy`ing\, a. (Physiol.)
     Changing into bone; becoming bone; as, the ossifying process.
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