noun

ankylosis

an-kih-LOH-sis

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Ankylosis (noun) means the fusing together of bones so that they become a single, rigid unit. Example: “The scan showed early ankylosis where the two vertebrae had begun to fuse.”

noun

technical The fusing together of bones so that they become a single, rigid unit.

"The scan showed early ankylosis where the two vertebrae had begun to fuse."

"Ankylosis of the wrist bones can follow a severe, untreated fracture."

"Surgeons sometimes deliberately induce ankylosis to stabilise a badly damaged joint."

medical The stiffening of a joint that results from this kind of abnormal bone fusion.

"Years of untreated arthritis had left her knee in a state of painful ankylosis."

"Physiotherapy aims to slow the stiffening that leads to ankylosis in some patients."

"The condition causes progressive ankylosis of the spine over time."

How to use ankylosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBones growing together so a joint locks up and can no longer move normally.

When to use it

Ankylosis is a medical and anatomical term, not used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

The word covers both the bone fusion itself and the joint stiffness it causes, so context tells you which sense is meant.

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Common pairings

joint ankylosis ankylosis of the spine surgical ankylosis develop ankylosis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scan showed early _____ where the two vertebrae had begun to fuse.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek, where it named a stiffening of the joints and came from a verb meaning to bend or crook, itself from a word for bent or crooked.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for ankylosis

meiosis mitosis osmosis stenosis acidosis zoonosis cyanosis necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis silicosis

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Frequently asked questions

What does ankylosis mean?

It refers to bones fusing together into one rigid unit, and the joint stiffness that results from this.

What causes ankylosis?

It can follow injury, infection, surgery or ongoing joint disease, all of which can lead bones to fuse abnormally.

Is ankylosis the same as arthritis?

No. Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, while ankylosis is the fusion and stiffening that can result from it or from other causes.

What is the meaning of ankylosis?

"ankylosis" (noun) means the fusing together of bones so that they become a single, rigid unit.