'calcify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'calcificare,' where 'calx' meant 'lime' and 'facere' meant 'to make.'

'calcificare' transformed into the French word 'calcifier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'calcify' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make into lime,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to harden or become inflexible.'