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cornification

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kɔːrnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

KK: /kɔrnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The process where certain skin cells change into a tough, protective material, often seen in hair, nails, and similar structures.


Example

The cornification of the skin helps protect it from damage and infection.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about cornification in skin biology?
Sloth B
Yeah, it refers to how skin cells turn into a tough layer, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s fascinating how our body protects itself through cornification.
Sloth B
Totally! It’s amazing how our skin stays resilient.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
keratinization
cornu
hardening
Antonyms
softening
degradation
dissolution
Root Explanation

Cornification → It is formed from "cornu" (from Latin, meaning horn) and "-fication" (from Latin "facere", meaning to make or to do). The term describes the process of making or transforming into a horn-like structure, often referring to the hardening of skin cells in the outer layer of the skin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'horn' ('cornu') being 'made' ('-fication') — that's why cornification refers to the process of skin cells becoming horn-like.

Visually Confused Words
conification
scorification
carnification
calorification
sonification
confrication
confiscation
codification
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