cornification

noun

cor·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkȯr-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: conversion into horn or a horny or keratinous substance or tissue

Word History

Etymology

Latin cornū "horn" + -ification — more at horn

First Known Use

circa 1843, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cornification

noun

cor·​ni·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌkȯr-nə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: conversion into horn or a horny substance or tissue : keratinization

2

: the histological and cytological changes that occur in the vaginal epithelium especially of a rodent in response to stimulation by an estrogen and that have been used as a bioassay for estrogenicity of chemicals (as pesticides) in the environment