keratinization

noun

ke·​ra·​ti·​ni·​za·​tion ˌker-ə-tə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce keratinization (audio) kə-ˌra-tə-nə- How to pronounce keratinization (audio)
: conversion into keratin or keratinous tissue
keratinize
ˈker-ə-tə-ˌnīz How to pronounce keratinization (audio) kə-ˈra-tə-ˌnīz How to pronounce keratinization (audio)
verb

Word History

Etymology

keratin + -ization

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keratinization was circa 1887

Rhymes for keratinization

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Browse Nearby Words

keratin
keratinization
keratinocyte
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Cite this Entry

“Keratinization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keratinization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

keratinization

noun
ke·​ra·​ti·​ni·​za·​tion
variants or British keratinisation
ˌker-ət-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce keratinization (audio) kə-ˌrat-ᵊn-ə- How to pronounce keratinization (audio)
: conversion into keratin or keratinous tissue
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