Fossil: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ•
Add to dictionary

fossil

 

[ หˆfษ‘หs(ษ™)l ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

ancient remains

The preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the remote past are called fossils. These fossils provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth and are often found in sedimentary rocks.

Synonyms

imprints, remains, traces

Examples of usage

  • Fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered in various parts of the world.
  • The museum has an impressive collection of fossilized plants and animals.
Context #2 | Noun

archaeological study

In archaeology, a fossil can also refer to any preserved evidence of past human life and activities, such as tools, pottery, and structures. These human fossils help researchers reconstruct ancient cultures and civilizations.

Synonyms

antiquities, artifacts, relics

Examples of usage

  • The excavation unearthed several fascinating human fossils from the Neolithic period.
  • The anthropologist studied the fossils to understand the lifestyle of early human societies.
Context #3 | Verb

become outdated

To fossilize can also mean to become antiquated or outdated, especially in the context of technology or ideas. When a concept or practice becomes fossilized, it loses relevance and usefulness over time.

Synonyms

antiquated, archaic, outdated

Examples of usage

  • The traditional methods of production have fossilized in the face of modern technology.
  • The company risked becoming fossilized due to its resistance to change.

Translations

Translations of the word "fossil" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fรณssil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅ€เคตเคพเคถเฅเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fossil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ fosil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะบะพะฟะฝะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ skamieniaล‚oล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅŒ–็Ÿณ (ใ‹ใ›ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fossile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ fรณsil

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fosil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ™”์„ (hwaseok)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุญููˆุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fosilie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ fosรญlia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒ–็Ÿณ (huร shรญ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ fosil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ steingervingur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะทะฑะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒฎแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fossil

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ fรณsil

Etymology

The word 'fossil' originates from the Latin word 'fossilis,' meaning 'dug up.' It was first used in the 17th century to describe preserved remains found in the earth. Fossils have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the history of life on Earth and the evolution of species.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,503 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.