ossify

Definition

To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals.

Etymology

Back-formation from ossification, or modeled on French ossifier and formed from Latin os, ossis (“bone”) + -ify.

Example Sentences

• "[…], nor do all bones of the same skeleton ossify during the samе period of time."
• "Before long, the entire organization ossifies."
• "Possession of absolute knowledge would ossify the human spirit, quenching human creativity;"