Definitions for ossifyˈɒs əˌfaɪ
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
os•si•fyˈɒs əˌfaɪ(v.)-fied, -fy•ing.
(v.t.)to convert into or cause to harden like bone.
(v.i.)to become bone or harden like bone.
to become rigid or inflexible in habits, opinions, etc.
Origin of ossify:
1705–15; < L oss-, s. of os bone + -ify
os′si•fi`er(n.)
Princeton's WordNet
ossify(verb)
become bony
"The tissue ossified"
rigidify, ossify, petrify(verb)
make rigid and set into a conventional pattern
"rigidify the training schedule"; "ossified teaching methods"; "slogans petrify our thinking"
ossify(verb)
cause to become hard and bony
"The disease ossified the tissue"
Wiktionary
ossify(Verb)
To transform (or cause to transform) from a softer animal substance into bone; particularly the processes of growth in humans and animals.
ossify(Verb)
To become (or cause to become) inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
ossify(Verb)
To grow (or cause to grow) formulaic and permanent.
ossify(Verb)
To calcify.
Origin: From os, ossis + -ify
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