noun

ossification

os-ih-fih-KAY-shun

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Ossification (noun) means the natural process by which bone forms, or the hardening of tissue into something like bone. Example: “Ossification of the skull continues after a baby is born.”

noun

medical The natural process by which bone forms, or the hardening of tissue into something like bone.

"Ossification of the skull continues after a baby is born."

"The scan showed ossification in the tissue around the injured joint."

"Doctors track ossification to judge how a child's skeleton is developing."

formal The process of becoming set in one's ways or beliefs.

"Critics warned of the ossification of the company's management."

"Decades without reform led to the ossification of the rules."

"He worried about the ossification of his own opinions as he grew older."

How to use ossification

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither bone forming, or something becoming stiff and unwilling to change.

When to use it

It is a formal, somewhat technical word in both its medical and its general senses.

Memory tip

Use the general sense for systems, habits or ideas that have stopped changing, not for individual quick decisions.

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Common pairings

ossification of the skull institutional ossification

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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”.

Test yourself on “ossification” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ of the skull continues after a baby is born.

Etymology

The word is built from Latin os, ossis, meaning bone, plus the ending -ification. The noun is recorded earlier than the verb ossify.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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conformity

Related words

agreement keeping variety accordance compliance accord conformity adherence

Rhymes for ossification

region cation ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion

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Frequently asked questions

What does ossification mean?

In biology it is the process by which bone forms, or tissue hardening into a bonelike mass. In general use it means becoming rigid and set in one's ways.

Where does the word ossification come from?

It comes from Latin os, ossis, meaning bone, with the ending -ification added.

How do you pronounce ossification?

In British English it is roughly os-ih-fih-KAY-shun, with the stress on the fourth syllable.

What is the meaning of ossification?

"ossification" (noun) means the natural process by which bone forms, or the hardening of tissue into something like bone.

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