ingrowth

/ˈɪnˌɡroʊθ/
noun
  1. Something that grows inward, especially a hair or nail that curves and grows back into the skin.
    • An ingrowth of the nail can cause pain and infection if not treated.
    • Using proper nail-cutting techniques helps prevent an ingrowth.
    • She had to see a podiatrist for an ingrowth on her big toe.
  2. The process or act of growing inward.
    • The ingrowth of roots into the drainage pipe caused a blockage.
    • The ingrowth of crystals into the rock created a unique pattern.
    • Doctors monitored the ingrowth of new tissue after the surgery.