decalcify

[ dee-kal-suh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cal·ci·fied, de·cal·ci·fy·ing.

1. to deprive of lime or calcareous matter, as a bone.

verb (used without object)

, de·cal·ci·fied, de·cal·ci·fy·ing.

1. to become decalcified.

decalcify

/ diːˌkælsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən; diːˈkælsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to remove calcium or lime from (bones, teeth, etc)

Derived Forms

• decalcification, noun
• deˈcalciˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• de·calci·fier noun
• nonde·calci·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decalcify¹

First recorded in 1840–50; de- + calcify

Example Sentences

From there, Stewart reasoned, the research team could rapidly decalcify the cut bones with acid to soften them, so that they could reach those sensitive hearing and balance organs, slice them thin, and perform experiments to look for key cell receptors.

From Salon

You’ll still need to decalcify your kettle from time to time, though the frequency depends on the hardness of your water.

From Slate

Yes, it might make Superman feel a little more buoyant for a while, but he comes from a species adapted to a higher gravity field, which means that over time his bones would decalcify, his joints would degenerate and his muscles would atrophy.

From Time

Your bones hate space: Without the constant tug of gravity, your skeleton doesn’t work nearly as hard, which causes it to weaken and decalcify.

From Time

Decalcify, de-kal′si-fī, v.i. to deprive of lime: to take the calcareous matter out of bones, teeth, &c.—n.

From Project Gutenberg