The formation or presence of a cortex or bark-like outer layer on a plant, animal organ, or other structure.
Derived from Latin 'cortex' with the suffix '-ation' indicating a noun of action or process. This technical term became standard in botany and anatomy during the 19th century.
Cortication happens in unexpected places—fungi develop corticate structures, and even some minerals show cortex-like weathered outer layers, meaning nature loves making protective bark-like coverings wherever they're useful!
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