1. the practice of making shallow cuts or marks on the skin as a form of body modification or cultural ritual
Usage: anthropological; cultural
2. the process of breaking up or loosening the surface of soil or pavement
Usage: technical; agriculture
3. the process of scratching or abrading the hard outer coating of seeds to promote germination
Usage: botany; horticulture

Examples

• The tribe practiced scarification as a rite of passage into adulthood.
• Traditional scarification patterns held deep cultural significance.
• The gardener performed scarification on the compacted lawn to improve air circulation.
• Road crews used scarification to prepare the asphalt surface for resurfacing.
• Scarification of the morning glory seeds improved their germination rate.
• The botanist recommended scarification for the hard-coated seeds.
• Soil scarification helped break up the hardpan layer.