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ankylose

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /æŋˈkɪloʊz/

KK: /æŋkɪloʊz/

intransitive verb
Definition

To become stiff or immobile due to the fusion of bones or joints.


Example

After the injury, the doctor warned that the joint might ankylose if not treated properly.


Tense Forms

Past: ankylozed

Past Participle: ankylozed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the patient who had to ankylose due to his condition?
Sloth B
Yeah, that's really tough! I can't imagine how painful that must be.
Sloth A
Right? It’s interesting how our bodies can ankylose in response to certain injuries.
Sloth B
True, it’s a fascinating but also a scary process.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fuse
join
bond
Antonyms
separate
detach
divide
transitive verb
Definition

To join or fuse together, especially in a way that restricts movement, often referring to bones or joints.


Example

The surgeon had to ankylose the joint to stabilize it after the injury.


Tense Forms

Past: ankylozed

Past Participle: ankylozed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the new treatment for joint issues?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard it can actually ankylose some of the painful areas.
Sloth A
That sounds promising! I wonder how long it takes to see results.
Root Explanation

Ankylose → It is formed from "ankylos" (from Greek "ankylos", meaning bent or stiff) and the suffix "-ose" (often used in biology to indicate a condition). The word "ankylose" refers to a condition where a joint becomes stiff or immobile due to abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bent' or 'stiff' ('ankylos') to remember that 'ankylose' means a condition where a joint becomes stiff.

Visually Confused Words
anchylose
amylose
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
I think it varies, but many patients feel better after a few sessions.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fuse
unite
connect
Antonyms
separate
divide
detach