‖ n. [ NL., fr. Gr. 'agky`lwsis, fr. 'agkyloy^n to crook, stiffen, fr. 'agky`los crooked: cf. F. ankylose. ] 1. (Med.) The process of formation of a stiff joint; also, the abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones of a joint which has become stiff. Dunglison. [ 1913 Webster + AS ]

2. (Anat.) The union of two or more separate bones to from a single bone; the close union of bones or other structures in various animals. [ 1913 Webster ]