ossifications
Turning into bone
Ossifications are instances of bone formation or hardening.
Literally, ossification occurs when cartilage or soft tissue transforms into bone during growth or healing.
Figuratively, ossifications are processes of becoming rigid or set in one's ways: The ossifications of bureaucracy made reform impossible.
The word often carries negative connotations of inflexibility or stagnation.
Resistance to altered motion
- stasisState of inactivity
- sclerosisMorbid tissue hardening
- fossilizationOrganic remains becoming mineral
- petrificationBecoming rock-like
atrophy · institutionalization · entrenchment · calcification · crystallization · hardening · fixation · paralysis
Bone-synthesizing cells
- cartilageFlexible connective body tissue
- marrowSoft bone interior
- skeletonInternal supportive framework
- vertebraeInterlocking bones of spine
femur · tibia · skull · ribs · pelvis · clavicle · scapula · joints
Quality of being unbending
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
- fixityState of being immovable
- immobilityLack of motion
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
intransigence · obduracy · dogmatism · hidebound · entrenched · bureaucratic · traditionalism · unchangeability
Thickened, stiffened vessel walls
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- dystrophicImpaired tissue nutrition
inertia
Resistance to altered motion
- stasisState of inactivity
- sclerosisMorbid tissue hardening
- fossilizationOrganic remains becoming mineral
petrification · atrophy · institutionalization · entrenchment · calcification · crystallization · hardening · fixation · paralysis · gridlock
osteoblasts
Bone-synthesizing cells
- cartilageFlexible connective body tissue
- marrowSoft bone interior
- skeletonInternal supportive framework
vertebrae · femur · tibia · skull · ribs · pelvis · clavicle · scapula · joints · phalanges
inflexibility
Quality of being unbending
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
- fixityState of being immovable
- immobilityLack of motion
unyielding · intransigence · obduracy · dogmatism · hidebound · entrenched · bureaucratic · traditionalism · unchangeability · closed-mindedness
arteriosclerosis
Thickened, stiffened vessel walls
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- dystrophicImpaired tissue nutrition
ossificationssoftenings
Acts of becoming gentler
decompositions · decays · liquefactions · dissolutions · decay
ossificationsflexibilities
Capacities to bend or adjust
adaptations · evolutions · transformations · innovations · liberalizations
ossificationsdissolutions
Acts of formally ending
breakdowns · degradations · decompositions · disintegrations · decays