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to granulate

to granulate

1 7.7
To form new tissue with small bumps when a wound heals
  • verb
  • /ˈɡræn.jə.leɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : granular
  • The wound slowly began to granulate, and the incision had almost closed by secondary intention at the time of discharge.

Examples

  • We learn when to change bandages and how to tell whether a wound is granulating properly.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • As the ulcer began to granulate, the medical team monitored its condition closely to ensure proper recovery.

  • The doctor explained that the wound would begin to granulate as it healed, forming new tissue.

  • After several days, we could see that the injured area started to granulate, indicating progress in the healing process.

Antonyms

to necrotize
  • Specialized
3 9.8

Cause body tissue to die, often after injury or infection

Surface Forms

granulate infinitive
granulated past
granulated past participle
granulating present participle
granulates third person singular

Morphology

granulate = granule (transparent) = granule + ate

Though often used in medical contexts (granulation tissue), the verb still literally means 'to form into granules' and is formed via the productive suffix '-ate'.

Etymology

The word granulate also comes from Latin granum ('grain') and is used in medicine because healing tissue often grows as tiny, grain-like bumps. So when a wound 'granulates' it is forming those small bits of new tissue as it heals.