Ankylose is a term used in the medical field to describe the fusion of bones or the stiffening of a joint due to the loss of mobility. It is a condition that affects the skeletal system, and it can be caused by various factors such as injury, infection, or disease.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ankylose is defined as “the consolidation and immobilization of a joint due to disease, injury, or surgical procedure.”
The Oxford dictionary defines ankylose as “the abnormal fusion of bones in a joint, resulting in loss of mobility.”
Origin
The term ankylose comes from the Greek word “ankylos,” which means “stiff” or “crooked.” The suffix “-ose” is used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or disease.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Ankylose is defined similarly in different dictionaries. It is described as the fusion of bones or the stiffening of a joint, which results in the loss of mobility. The condition can be caused by various factors and can affect any joint in the body.
Associations
Ankylose is associated with various medical conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and infection. It can also be caused by trauma or injury to a joint.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ankylose include ossify, fuse, consolidate, and solidify.
Antonyms
Antonyms of ankylose include loosen, mobilize, and flexibility.
The same root words
The root word “ankylos” is also found in other medical terms such as ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. The term “ankyloblepharon” refers to the fusion of the eyelids.
Example Sentences
- The patient’s joint had ankylosed, which resulted in the loss of mobility.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that can cause the vertebrae to fuse together.
- The injury caused the joint to ankylose, which required surgery to correct.
- The disease had caused the bones in the patient’s hand to ankylose, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.