v. [f. ANCHYLOSIS, after anastomose, metamorphose, etc., mod.Fr. ankyloser, f. ankylose sb., perhaps supplying a model.]
1. trans. To stiffen a joint by consolidation of the articulating surfaces; to consolidate two distinct bones; usually in pass. To be solidly united bone to bone.
1787. Hunter, in Phil. Trans., LXXVII. 383. In the Porpoise, four of the vertebræ of the neck are anchylosed.
1836. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., I. 281/2. In the Ostrich the last rib abuts against the ilium, to which it is anchylosed.
1875. Blake, Zool., 2. Teeth … not anchylosed with the substance of the jaw.
2. intr. Of a joint: To grow stiff. Of two bones: To grow together.
1833. Penny Cycl., I. 508/1. It is very important to keep the fingers bent, because, if they anchylose in that position, the hand will be more useful.
1872. Mivart, Anat., 99. The two parietals anchylose at a very early period into a single median bone.
