scarify

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈskæ.ɹɪˌfaɪ/, /ˈskɑː.ɹɪˌfaɪ/

Verb

scarify (third-person singular simple present scarifies, present participle scarifying, simple past and past participle scarified)

1. (obsolete or nonstandard) To scar.
2. (obsolete or nonstandard) Denude, or lay waste to.
3. (horticulture) To remove thatch (build-up of organic matter on the soil) from a lawn, to dethatch.
4. (horticulture) To damage the testa (seed coat) of a seed by cutting, scraping, chemicals, hot water, or fire to allow permeation of water and faster germination.
5. (agriculture) To break up, loosen, or roughen the surface of a field or road or a hard surface.

Anagrams

• sacrify