Calcified: meaning, definitions and examples

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calcified

 

[ ˈkælsəˌfaɪd ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

medical

To harden by deposition of or conversion into calcium carbonate or some other insoluble calcium compounds.

Synonyms

harden, petrify, solidify

Examples of usage

  • The doctor found a calcified mass in the patient's lung.
  • The arteries had become calcified over time, leading to circulation problems.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

To harden or solidify by impregnation with calcium salts.

Synonyms

harden, petrify, solidify

Examples of usage

  • The shells of some marine organisms are calcified structures.
  • The bones of vertebrates are often calcified to provide support and protection.
Context #3 | Adjective

geology

Having been turned into a stony mass or a mass of calcium carbonate.

Synonyms

petrified, solidified, stony

Examples of usage

  • The fossilized remains were found in a calcified layer of sediment.
  • The calcified rocks displayed intricate patterns of mineral deposits.

Translations

Translations of the word "calcified" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calcificado

🇮🇳 कैल्सीफाइड

🇩🇪 verkalkt

🇮🇩 terkalsifikasi

🇺🇦 окам'янілий

🇵🇱 zwapniony

🇯🇵 石灰化した (せっかいかした)

🇫🇷 calcifié

🇪🇸 calcificado

🇹🇷 kalsifiye olmuş

🇰🇷 석회화된

🇸🇦 متكلس

🇨🇿 zkostnatělý

🇸🇰 zkostnatený

🇨🇳 钙化的 (gàihuà de)

🇸🇮 okosteneven

🇮🇸 kalkaður

🇰🇿 әкелген

🇬🇪 გაცოფებული

🇦🇿 kalsifikasiyalı

🇲🇽 calcificado

Word origin

The word 'calcified' comes from the Latin word 'calcificare', which means 'to turn into lime'. The process of calcification, or the deposition of calcium salts, can occur in various biological and geological contexts. In medicine, calcified tissues or masses can often be observed in X-rays or scans, indicating a hardening or solidifying process. In geology, calcified rocks and fossils provide valuable information about past environments. Overall, calcification plays a crucial role in the formation and preservation of various structures in nature.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,974, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.