ankylate
|æŋ-kɪ-leɪt|
/ˈæŋ.kɪ.leɪt/
cause to fuse / stiffen
Etymology
'ankylate' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'ankylose', where the Greek root 'ankyl-' (from Greek 'ankylos') meant 'bent, hooked, or stiff'.
'ankylate' changed from New Latin word 'ankylose' (derived from Greek 'ankylos') and was formed in modern scientific/medical English with the verb-forming suffix '-ate' to give 'ankylate'.
Initially the Greek root referred to 'bent' or 'hooked', but over time the term evolved in medical usage to mean 'to cause stiffness or fusion (especially of a joint)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the noun form (ankylation): the condition or result of ankylating; ankylosis or fusion of a joint.
Ankylation of the joint led to permanent loss of flexion.
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Verb 1
to cause ankylosis; to make (a joint or bones) stiff or immobile by fusion or abnormal adhesion.
Chronic inflammation may ankylate the spinal joints, reducing mobility.
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Adjective 1
the past-participle/adjectival form (ankylated): stiffened or rendered immobile by fusion.
The ankylated joint caused chronic pain and limited motion.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 02:01