calcify
/ˈkæl.sɪ.faɪ/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To turn into a hard, stone-like substance, or to make something do this. Doctors also use it for calcium building up in the body.
- The pipes began to calcify over time.
- Plaque can calcify in the arteries.
Adinary Nuance
Calcify is more specific than harden. It suggests a stone-like change, often from calcium or minerals. Use harden for many general cases; use calcify when the change is medical, scientific, or mineral-based. In a figurative way, it can also mean ideas or attitudes have become fixed and difficult to change.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vôi hóa
- Spanish
- calcificar
- Chinese
- 钙化
- Japanese
- 石灰化する
- Korean
- 석회화하다
Etymology
From Latin calx, meaning 'lime' or 'limestone', plus the English ending -ify. It entered English in the 19th century in scientific use.
Common phrases
calcify the arteriescalcify over timecalcified tissue
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is calcify a medical word?
- Yes. It is common in medical and scientific writing, especially about calcium deposits.
- What is the difference between calcify and harden?
- Harden is general. Calcify means become hard like stone, often because of calcium.
- Can calcify be used figuratively?
- Yes. People use it for ideas, habits, or relationships that become fixed.