ep·i·the·lize \ˌepəˈthēˌlīz\verb alsoep·i·the·lial·ize\-ēlēəˌlīz, -ēlyəˌ-\ (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology:epithel- or epithelial + -ize transitive verb : to cover (as an open wound) with or convert (another tissue) to epithelium < a completely epithelized lesion > intransitive verb : to become covered with epithelium < the denuded surface rapidly epithelized >