How Do You Spell DECALCIFY?

Pronunciation: [dɪkˈalsɪfˌa͡ɪ] (IPA)

Decalcify is spelled as \di:ˈkælsəfaɪ\ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is formed by combining the prefix "de" meaning "remove", "calc" meaning "calcium", and the suffix "-ify" meaning "to make". Decalcify refers to the process of removing calcium build-up, such as from bones or teeth. The unusual spelling can be attributed to the presence of the silent letter "c" and the use of the letter "y" to represent the suffix sound.

DECALCIFY Meaning and Definition

1. Decalcify is a verb that refers to the process of removing or dissolving calcium deposits from a material, typically inorganic substances such as pipes, appliances, or biological structures like bones or teeth. The term is derived from the word "decalcification" and is commonly used in the context of maintenance or treatment procedures.

   When it comes to appliances or plumbing systems, decalcifying involves eliminating or reducing the buildup of calcium deposits, commonly known as limescale, caused by the presence of hard water. This process is usually performed by using specialized decalcifying agents or descaling solutions that chemically break down and dissolve the calcium deposits, ensuring the proper functioning and longevity of the affected equipment.

   In the realm of biology, such as in dentistry or medicine, decalcification is the method used to remove calcium from hard tissues, like bones or teeth, in order to prepare them for further analysis or procedures. Often, a decalcifying agent like hydrochloric acid is employed to soften or dissolve the calcium, allowing for easier sectioning and analysis.

   Overall, "decalcify" encompasses the action of eliminating or dissolving calcium deposits, either for the purpose of maintaining appliances or for preparing biological samples for further analysis.

2. To remove lime salts or calcareous matter.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DECALCIFY

• secalcify
• xecalcify
• cecalcify
• fecalcify
• recalcify
• eecalcify
• dwcalcify
• dscalcify
• ddcalcify
• drcalcify
• d4calcify
• d3calcify
• dexalcify
• devalcify
• defalcify
• dedalcify
• deczlcify
• decslcify
• decwlcify
• declacify
• deulcify
• decalcificy

Etymology of DECALCIFY

The word "decalcify" is derived from two components: "de-" which is a prefix indicating removal or reversal, and "calcify". The term "calcify" originates from the Latin word "calx", meaning limestone or chalk. The Latin verb "calcificare" means "to turn into chalk" or "to harden with calcium". Over time, "calcify" evolved in English to mean the process of depositing calcium salts, causing hardening or loss of natural function, particularly in biological contexts. Therefore, "decalcify" refers to the act of undoing or reversing this process by removing or dissolving calcium deposits.

Conjugate verb Decalcify

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have decalcified

you would have decalcified

he/she/it would have decalcified

we would have decalcified

they would have decalcified

I would have decalcify

you would have decalcify

he/she/it would have decalcify

we would have decalcify

they would have decalcify

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been decalcifying

you would have been decalcifying

he/she/it would have been decalcifying

we would have been decalcifying

they would have been decalcifying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would decalcify

you would decalcify

he/she/it would decalcify

we would decalcify

they would decalcify

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be decalcifying

you would be decalcifying

he/she/it would be decalcifying

we would be decalcifying

they would be decalcifying

FUTURE

I will decalcify

you will decalcify

he/she/it will decalcify

we will decalcify

they will decalcify

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be decalcifying

you will be decalcifying

he/she/it will be decalcifying

we will be decalcifying

they will be decalcifying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have decalcified

you will have decalcified

he/she/it will have decalcified

we will have decalcified

they will have decalcified

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been decalcifying

you will have been decalcifying

he/she/it will have been decalcifying

we will have been decalcifying

they will have been decalcifying

IMPERATIVE

you decalcify

we let´s decalcify

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to decalcify

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was decalcifying

you were decalcifying

he/she/it was decalcifying

we were decalcifying

they were decalcifying

PAST PARTICIPLE

decalcified

PAST PERFECT

I had decalcified

you had decalcified

he/she/it had decalcified

we had decalcified

they had decalcified

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been decalcifying

you had been decalcifying

he/she/it had been decalcifying

we had been decalcifying

they had been decalcifying

PRESENT

I decalcify

you decalcify

he/she/it decalcifies

we decalcify

they decalcify

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am decalcifying

you are decalcifying

he/she/it is decalcifying

we are decalcifying

they are decalcifying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

decalcifying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have decalcified

you have decalcified

he/she/it has decalcified

we have decalcified

they have decalcified

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been decalcifying

you have been decalcifying

he/she/it has been decalcifying

we have been decalcifying

they have been decalcifying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it decalcify

SIMPLE PAST

I decalcified

you decalcified

he/she/it decalcified

we decalcified

they decalcified