verb (used with object), lig·ni·fied, lig·ni·fy·ing.
- to convert into wood; cause to become woody.
verb (used without object), lig·ni·fied, lig·ni·fy·ing.
- to become wood or woody.
verb -fies, -fying or -fied
- botany to make or become woody as a result of the deposition of lignin in the cell walls
- To make or become stiffer and stronger by the deposition of lignin.