calcified
Turned to stone
Calcite and calcium are minerals that accumulate in living tissue, sometimes to harmful effect.
Calcified, literally, describes tissue that has calcium deposits where it shouldn't.
Figuratively, calcified characterizes attitudes, beliefs, or institutions that have become rigid and resistant to change over time: His views on gender roles have calcified since the 1970s.
The verb calcify and noun calcification work the same way in both literal and figurative contexts.
Unable to bend
- ossifiedTurned hard, inflexible
- entrenchedFirmly established, resistant to change
- dogmaticAsserting opinions as facts
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
stubborn · immutable · fixed · intransigent · unbending · stagnant · hidebound · set in stone
Made firm, not fluid
- induratedMade physically or emotionally tough
- rigidUnable to bend
- stiffenedMade or became rigid
- cementedFastened with lasting adhesion
crystallized · mineralized · consolidated · hardened · set · firmed · crusted · encrusted
Solidified or fear-paralyzed
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
- mineralizedInfused with inorganic compounds
- preservedKept from deterioration
- ancientVery old indeed
remains · prehistoric · sediment · embedded · imprinted · geological · stratified · paleontology
Tubes carrying oxygenated blood
- atherosclerosisArterial plaque accumulation disease
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- arterialOf major vessels
- cardiovascularOf heart and blood vessels
stenosis · coronary · aortic · vascular · cartilage · joint · tendon · pineal gland
rigid
Unable to bend
- ossifiedTurned hard, inflexible
- entrenchedFirmly established, resistant to change
- dogmaticAsserting opinions as facts
unyielding · stubborn · immutable · fixed · intransigent · unbending · stagnant · hidebound · set in stone · unadaptable
solidified
Made firm, not fluid
cemented · crystallized · mineralized · consolidated · hardened · set · firmed · crusted · encrusted · concretized
petrified
Solidified or fear-paralyzed
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
- mineralizedInfused with inorganic compounds
- preservedKept from deterioration
ancient · remains · prehistoric · sediment · embedded · imprinted · geological · stratified · paleontology · archaeology
arteries
Tubes carrying oxygenated blood
- atherosclerosisArterial plaque accumulation disease
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- arterialOf major vessels
cardiovascular · stenosis · coronary · aortic · vascular · cartilage · joint · tendon · pineal gland · kidney stones
mineral deposits
Natural rock-bound resources
- hardenedhardened, solidified, petrified, fossilized, mineralized
- Hard Thingsrock, stone, diamond, iron, metal
- shellsseashells, sea shells, shell, clam, oyster
- bone termsskeletal, osseous, bony, fractured, spinal
- bone traitsdense, brittle, porous, hollow, thick
- imaging findingsanechoic, hyperdense, hypodense, radiolucent, radiopaque
calcifiedsoft
Yielding to touch
decalcified · uncalcified · pliable · flexible · supple