Finesentence logo

Scarification: meaning, definitions and examples

🌱
Add to dictionary

scarification

 

[ ˌskærɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

horticulture

Scarification is the process of making small cuts or scratches on the surface of seeds to improve their germination. This technique is typically used for seeds with hard coatings, as it allows water and nutrients to penetrate more easily.

Synonyms

germination enhancement, seed treatment

Examples of usage

  • Scarification improves seed germination.
  • Gardeners often use scarification for tough seeds.
  • Certain trees require scarification for successful growth.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

In medical terms, scarification refers to the process of creating shallow cuts or abrasions on the skin, often for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. It can also be a technique used in vaccinations to ensure the delivery of the vaccine.

Synonyms

abrasion, incision

Examples of usage

  • Scarification is used in certain vaccinations.
  • The dermatologist performed scarification to test for allergies.
  • Historical practices included scarification for health benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "scarification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escarificação

🇮🇳 स्केयरिफिकेशन

🇩🇪 Scarification

🇮🇩 skarifikasi

🇺🇦 скарифікація

🇵🇱 skarifikacja

🇯🇵 スカリフィケーション

🇫🇷 scarification

🇪🇸 escarificación

🇹🇷 skarifikasyon

🇰🇷 스카리피케이션

🇸🇦 تشويه الجلود

🇨🇿 skarifikace

🇸🇰 skarifikácia

🇨🇳 划伤

🇸🇮 skarifikacija

🇮🇸 skörun

🇰🇿 скарификация

🇬🇪 სკარიფიკაცია

🇦🇿 skarifikasiya

🇲🇽 escarificación

Etymology

The term 'scarification' originates from the Latin word 'scario', which means to scratch or to make a shallow cut. The concept has been used in agriculture since ancient times, where early farmers discovered that certain seeds could germinate better if their hard outer coats were scratched or worn away. Over time, this practice evolved alongside advancements in horticulture and seed science, leading to more systematic approaches to seed treatment. In a medical context, the term began to take on additional meanings, especially with the rise of vaccination techniques in the 19th century, where methods of scarification were employed to inoculate individuals against diseases. The dual usage of the term in both horticulture and medicine reflects the broader application of cutting and abrasion techniques in different fields.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,952 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.