In A Word

In A Word

Main Entry: 1scar·i·fy Pronunciation: 'skar-&-"fI, 'sker-Function: transitive verbInflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ingEtymology: Middle English scarifien, from Middle French scarifier, from Late Latin scarificare, alteration of Latin scarifare, from Greek skariphasthai to scratch an outline, sketch -- more at SCRIBE1 : to make scratches or small cuts in (as the skin) 2 : to lacerate the feelings of3 : to break up and loosen the surface of (as a field or road)4 : to cut or soften the wall of (a hard seed) to hasten germination- scar·i·fi·er /-"fI(-&)r/




Main Entry: 2scarify Function: transitive verbInflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing: SCARE, FRIGHTEN- scar·i·fy·ing·ly /-"fI-i[ng]-lE/ adverb