calcific

1 9.6

Having small hard pieces of calcium in body tissue

adjective
/kælˈsɪfɪk/

Specialized

: calcificante

Some 80% of chondrosarcomas have been found to exhibit calcific stippling, which can be diagnostic for the tumor and should at least be regarded with a high index of suspicion.

Examples

Figure 2. CT scan showing a calcific lesion of the right parapharyngeal space.

Academic text (1998)
And an angiogram or a imaging study shows calcific arteriosclerosis, meaning that the blood vessels are calcified.
The doctor explained that the patient's calcific deposits can lead to severe health complications.
In some cases, the x-ray revealed calcific changes in the patient's joints.
He was concerned that the calcific growths in the tissue might affect his mobility.

Synonyms

calcareous

vscalcific

Specialized

1 8.9

Something that contains material like chalk or limestone

describes pathological calcium deposits in tissue, not geological rock composition

calciferous

vscalcific

Specialized

1 9.9

Containing calcium, for example in chalk or shells

focuses on calcium salt formation within living tissue rather than mineral sources

calcitic

vscalcific

Specialized

1 9.1

Containing a lot of the mineral calcite

applies to calcium salt buildup in tissue not only to crystalline minerals

calcic

vscalcific

Specialized

8.6

Containing calcium, a mineral found in bones and shells

relates specifically to calcium salt deposits forming in tissue

Surface Forms

calcific positive

Morphology

calcific = calcium (semi-transparent) = calc + ific

While the connection to 'calcium' is clear, the specific meaning related to calcification in tissues may not be immediately obvious to all learners.

Etymology

The word calcific comes from the Latin word calx, meaning 'stone'. It is related to calcium, so something calcific is 'stone-like' because it has hard calcium deposits in tissue.