Also 8 ancylosis. [Gr. ἀγκύλωσις stiffening of the joints, f. ἀγκυλό-ειν to crook, f. ἀγκύλ-ος crooked. The reg. transliteration of the Gr. is ancylosis; to preserve the hard c this has been spelled with ch, for which some substitute k. Cf. Fr. ankylose.]
The formation of a stiff joint by consolidation of the articulating surfaces; the coalescence of two bones originally distinct.
1713. Cheselden, Anat., I. i. (1726), 8. When these cartilages are destroyed … [the bones] very readily unite; this distemper is called Ancylosis.
1765. Sterne, Tr. Shandy (1802), VII. xxi. 42. The abbess … being in danger of an anchylosis, or stiff joint.
1875. Holmes, Surg., 6. The utility of joints is destroyed by soft ankylosis.
1880. Syd. Soc. Lex., Ankylosis.
1881. Mivart, Cat, 60. The number of bones … decreases with age, by anchylosis.
b. fig.
1853. H. Rogers, Ecl. Faith, 35. Impossible that any man could have made so many and such violent turns … without incurring the danger of a ‘universal anchylosis.’
