Category:Ossification

Os`si*fi*ca"tion, n. Etym: [cf. F. ossification. See ossify.]

1. (physiol.)

Defn: the formation of bone; the process, in the growth of an animal, By which inorganic material (mainly lime salts) is deposited in Cartilage or membrane, forming bony tissue; ostosis.

Note: besides the natural ossification of growing tissue, there is The so-called accidental ossification which sometimes follows certain Abnormal conditions, as in the ossification of an artery.

2. The state of being changed into a bony substance; also, a mass or Point of ossified tissue.