To cover with or form a cortex or bark-like outer layer; to develop or provide with a protective outer coating.
From Latin cortex (bark, rind) plus the verb-forming suffix '-ate.' The term is used in biology and medicine to describe the natural process of forming an outer layer, especially in bone or tissue formation.
In bone healing, the body 'corticates' a fracture by forming a hard cortical layer around the break—it's nature's way of reinforcing damage, and understanding this process helps doctors design better bone treatments.
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