scarification

[ skar-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. The act or result of making scratches or superficial incisions in the skin to produce an immune response or administer certain injections:

   Scarification is a common method of sensitizing the skin for contact with an allergen.

2. an act or instance of scratching, cutting, or burning a design or image into the skin, in order to create permanent decorative or symbolic scars; scarifying:

   Because it’s riskier than tattooing and piercing, not all body mod shops offer scarification.

3. a design or image made by scars as the result of scratching, cutting, or burning it into the skin:

   A king was required to have the traditional facial scarification particular to his clan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarification¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English scarificacioun, from Old French scarificacion and Late Latin scarīficātiōn- (stem of scarīficātiō ); scarify, -ation

Example Sentences

He frequently pretends to suck out such an object by the application of the lips alone, without any scarification whatever.

From Project Gutenberg

Scarification is quite common, and is used for a singular purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Operative—scarification, either punctate or linear, and erosion with the curette.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure 20 represents scarification as a form of grief-expression for the dead.

From Project Gutenberg

The dancers then performed for their benefit, making a great deal of fun both of the children and of the scarification ceremony.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• laceration
• wound