1. The stiffening or immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones or connective tissue, often resulting from injury, disease, or inflammation.
Usage: Medical term; also spelled 'anchylosis' (less common variant); Common in rheumatology and orthopedics

Examples

• The patient developed ankylosis in her knee after the severe arthritis went untreated.
• Ankylosis of the spine can severely limit a person's range of motion.
• The doctor warned that prolonged immobilization might lead to ankylosis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that can cause progressive ankylosis of the vertebrae.
• Physical therapy was prescribed to prevent ankylosis following the joint injury.