Canaliculation

/ˌkænəˌlɪkjəˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The formation of canaliculi or small channels and grooves; the process or result of being marked with fine furrows.

Etymology

From canaliculus plus the suffix -ation (indicating a process or result), creating a noun that describes both the action of forming channels and the state of having them.

Kelly Says

Geologists studying fossilized bones notice canaliculation patterns that tell them about ancient organisms' metabolic rates—the tiny grooves are a biological record of how fast a creature's cells could work millions of years ago.

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