ossify Hear it!

ossify Definition

os·sify (äsə fī′)

transitive verb, intransitive verb ossified -·fied′, ossifying -·fy′·ing

  1. to change or develop into bone
  2. to settle or fix rigidly in a practice, custom, attitude, etc.

Etymology: < L os (gen. ossis), a bone (< IE base *ost- > Sans ásthi, Gr osteon, bone) + -fy

Related Forms:

ossify Synonyms

ossify

v.

congeal, fossilize, turn to bone; see harden 2, stiffen 1, thicken 1.

ossify Usage Examples

Object

  • society: We reject it because it favors a selected group of dominant beliefs and tends to ossify society around them.

Preposition: into

  • dogma: For permaculture to remain alive - and not ossify into dogma - it must also change.

Modifying Another Word

  • not: For permaculture to remain alive - and not ossify into dogma - it must also change.

Preposition: from

  • center: It ossifies from 14 centers through an elaborate schedule and timetable of ossification which eventually achieves the alignment of the face.

Browse dictionary entries near ossify

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