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

“The fracking has affected our bones, which become decalcified. I had to have a titanium spine implant; another sister also needs one. Albino had an operation on his arm because of bone loss.”

From The Guardian

She found more residues when she decalcified pieces of fossil bone and teeth.

From Science Magazine

The bacteria spread through his foot and ankle, decalcified his bones and resulted in him losing his leg.

From Washington Times

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

The body parts deteriorated, and the skeletal remains decalcified.

From New York Times