1. to become covered with or develop cutin (a waxy, protective substance on plant leaves and stems)
Usage: biology; botany

Examples

• The plant's leaves cutinize as they mature, forming a protective waxy layer.
• During development, the epidermis of the leaf begins to cutinize.
• Cuticles cutinize to reduce water loss in arid environments.
• The outer surface cutinizes to provide a barrier against pathogens.