Keratin formation or development of a horny layer; may also apply to premature formation of keratin. SYN: cornification.
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ke·ra·ti·ni·za·tion or Brit ke·ra·ti·ni·sa·tion .ker-ət-ə-nə-'zā-shən, kə-.rat-ən-ə- n conversion into keratin or keratinous tissue
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n.
the process by which cells become horny due to the deposition of keratin within them. It occurs in the epidermis of the skin and associated structures (hair, nails, etc.), where the cells become flattened, lose their nuclei, and are filled with keratin as they approach the surface.
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ker·a·tin·iza·tion (ker″ə-tin″ĭ-zaґshən) the development of or conversion into keratin.Medical dictionary. 2011.