keratinize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɛrətɪnaɪz/
KK: /kɛrətɪnaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To produce a tough protein that is found in skin, hair, and nails, or to change into a form that contains this protein.
Example
As the skin cells mature, they begin to keratinize, forming a protective layer.
Tense Forms
Past: keratinized
Past Participle: keratinized
Conversation
Have you heard about how our skin can keratinize over time?
Yeah, I think it's pretty fascinating how our body works.
Right? I read that it helps protect us from damage.
Exactly! It's amazing how our bodies adapt like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
harden
toughen
thicken
Antonyms
soften
weaken
dilute
transitive verb
Definition
To change something into a tough protein called keratin, which is found in hair, nails, and skin.
Example
The skin cells will keratinize to form a protective barrier.
Tense Forms
Past: keratinized
Past Participle: keratinized
Conversation
Did you know that some animals can keratinize their skin for protection?
Really? I never thought about that before.
Yeah, it’s fascinating how nature works to help them survive.
Root Explanation
Keratinize → It is formed from "keratin" (from Greek "keratinos", meaning horn) and "-ize" (meaning to make or to become). The word describes the process of becoming like keratin, which is a protein that makes up the outer layer of skin and hair, giving them a horn-like quality.
Memory Tip
Think of 'keratin', which refers to a horn-like protein, and remember that 'keratinize' means to make something become like keratin.
Visually Confused Words
veratrinize
erastianize
erinize
gelatinize
delatinize