calcifying
/ˈkælsɪˌfaɪɪŋ/
VERB
1. Making something hard through calcium deposits
Causing a substance or tissue to become hard and stony by impregnating it with calcium salts.
1.1. Hardening biological tissues and structures
Describes the process of depositing calcium salts in bones, tissues, cartilage, or other biological structures, causing them to become hardened.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- softening
- dissolving
- liquefying
Examples
- The calcifying plaque in the arteries gradually restricts blood flow.
- Researchers observed calcifying tissue developing around the injured joint.
- The formation of calcifying nodules in the lungs required further investigation.
Related Words
- mineralizing
- encrusting
- crystallizing
- calcification
- ossification
1.2. Hardening or solidifying substances
Describes a process in which a material becomes firm, rigid, or solid through hardening, coagulation, crystallization, or the formation of a compact deposit.
Synonyms
- caking
- coagulating
- congealing
- concreting
- crystallizing
- encrusting
- incrusting
- indurating
- solidifying
- stiffening
- thickening
- setting
- gelling
Antonyms
- deliquescing
- dissolving
- liquefying
- melting
- softening
- thawing
Examples
- The calcifying deposits gradually formed a hard layer inside the pipes.
- Mineral-rich water can leave calcifying residue on aquarium equipment.
Related Words
- annealing
- case-hardening
- tempering
- freezing
- gelatinizing
VERB
2. Becoming hard and stony
Becoming hard and stony through impregnation with calcium salts.
2.1. Gradual hardening through mineral accumulation
Describes tissues or substances gradually becoming hardened as calcium salts or other mineral deposits accumulate within or on them.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- softening
- dissolving
- liquefying
- melting
- thawing
Examples
- The bone was calcifying as the fracture gradually healed.
- Dental plaque can become calcifying when mineral deposits accumulate over time.
Related Words
- mineralizing
- encrusting
- fossilizing
- stiffening
- calcification