1. hatch.   validate   solder   splice   incubate   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. harden into bone or become rigid.   implement   ossify   wane   reverberate   Half-n-half Clue   3. cut the tip off.   inhibit   truncate   ossify   imply   Half-n-half Clue   4. pierce or make hole(s) in.   saturate   perforate   inhibit   perturb   Half-n-half Clue   5. convert by heat to vapor and then solidify; purify.   partition   wax   sap   sublimate   Half-n-half Clue   6. examine carefully or explore with instruments.   probe   ossify   postulate   polarize   Half-n-half Clue   7. isolate to prevent spread of infection.   precipitate   saturate   splice   quarantine   Half-n-half Clue