Calcified: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to organic matter, such as tissues or biological structures, becoming hardened by the deposit of calcium salts over time, often in a medical or biological context.

• The patient's arteries have calcified, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
• The dinosaur bones were found calcified in the ancient sediments.

Use when something becomes firm or solid. Can be used in many contexts like physical substances or metaphorically for emotions.

• The cement will harden overnight.
• Her heart hardened after years of disappointment.

Used when a substance changes from a liquid or soft state to a solid form. Also used metaphorically to mean making plans or ideas more definite.

• The lava will solidify as it cools down.
• We need to solidify our plans for the project next week.

Use when referring to organic matter turning into stone or making someone so frightened that they are unable to move. In geological contexts or used metaphorically.

• The wood found in the ancient site had petrified.
• The loud noise petrified the little boy.

Best used when describing something that has turned into a hard, stony substance due to the accumulation of calcium salts. Often used in medical or biological contexts.

• The calcified plaque blocked the artery.
• The fossil was calcified over millions of years.

Appropriate for describing the process of becoming more solid, firm, or resilient. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

• The molten lava began to harden once it hit the water.
• The challenging experiences he went through hardened his character.

Used to describe the process of becoming solid or more defined. Can also be used metaphorically to indicate making plans or ideas more concrete.

• The liquid metal began to solidify as it cooled.
• They need to solidify their plans before going public with the project.

Most suitable for describing the process of becoming stone or very hard due to the replacement of organic material with minerals, or used metaphorically to mean to become paralyzed with fear.

• Over millions of years, the wood had petrified into stone.
• The sudden noise in the dark petrified her.

Describes something that has become hard due to the deposition of calcium salts, typically in a biological context.

• The calcified remains of the ancient marine creature were found embedded in the rock
• The patient's arteries were calcified, leading to restricted blood flow

Describes something that is hard and rocky, or it can describe a person's emotional coldness.

• The path was rough and stony, making it difficult to walk
• His response was stony, showing no emotion whatsoever

Refers to organic material that has been turned to stone through a process of mineral replacement, or it can describe a state of extreme fear.

• The petrified wood in the forest was millions of years old
• She stood petrified with fear when the dog started barking loudly

Describes a substance that has transitioned from a liquid or gas to a solid state, often due to cooling or chemical reaction.

• The melted chocolate solidified after being placed in the refrigerator
• The team solidified their plan after several meetings