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Ossification: meaning, definitions and examples

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ossification

 

[ ˌɒsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological process

Ossification is the process by which bone tissue is formed. This process is crucial for the growth and development of the skeletal system in both humans and animals. Ossification occurs in two main ways: intramembranous ossification, which is the direct formation of bone from connective tissue, and endochondral ossification, which involves the replacement of cartilage with bone. This process not only occurs during fetal development but also continues throughout life as bones remodel and repair themselves.

Synonyms

bone formation, calcification, hardening

Examples of usage

  • The ossification of the cartilage is essential for the formation of a mature skeleton.
  • During growth spurts, ossification happens rapidly.
  • Certain diseases can affect ossification processes.
  • The study of ossification can provide insights into various skeletal disorders.

Translations

Translations of the word "ossification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ossificação

🇮🇳 अस्थि निर्माण

🇩🇪 Verknöcherung

🇮🇩 ossifikasi

🇺🇦 осифікація

🇵🇱 kostnienie

🇯🇵 骨化 (こっか)

🇫🇷 ossification

🇪🇸 osificación

🇹🇷 ossifikasyon

🇰🇷 골화 (골화)

🇸🇦 التعظم

🇨🇿 osifikace

🇸🇰 osifikácia

🇨🇳 骨化 (gǔhuà)

🇸🇮 osifikacija

🇮🇸 beinmyndun

🇰🇿 оссификация

🇬🇪 ოსიფიკაცია

🇦🇿 ossifikasiya

🇲🇽 osificación

Etymology

The term ossification originates from the Latin word 'ossificatio', which is derived from 'ossificare', meaning 'to turn into bone'. This term first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, relating to the gradual process of bone development and the transformative nature of skeletal growth. In the scientific context, ossification has been extensively studied in the fields of biology, medicine, and anthropology, particularly in relation to how bones form during embryonic development and throughout a person's life. The understanding of ossification has evolved over time, with advances in medical imaging techniques enabling a more in-depth exploration of this critical biological process.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,054, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.