Fossil: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the preserved remains or impression of a prehistoric organism, usually in rock formations. Often used in scientific or educational contexts.

• The fossil of a dinosaur was discovered in the desert.
• Scientists study fossils to understand ancient life.

Refers to the parts, especially bones or other structures, that are left after an organism has died. Can be used in broader contexts beyond fossils, such as archaeological findings.

• The remains of the ancient humans were carefully excavated.
• Animal remains can provide important information about past ecosystems.

Used to describe marks or impressions left on a surface, usually in soft ground or rock, indicating the presence of ancient organisms. Often refers to footprints or leaf impressions.

• The imprints of ancient plants were found in the rock.
• Dinosaur imprints can tell us about their movement patterns.

Describes any slight or sparse evidence of past life, such as footprints, burrows, or chemical markers. Often used in geological or paleontological contexts.

• Traces of ancient bacteria were found in the rock samples.
• The traces of the animal's presence were barely visible.

Use this word when talking about the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.

• The team discovered a dinosaur fossil during their excavation.
• Fossils are crucial for understanding the history of life on Earth.

Artifacts are typically human-made objects, often simple items, that are of historical or cultural interest. This term is common in archaeology and anthropology.

• The archaeologists unearthed several artifacts from the ancient village.
• Each artifact tells a story about the people who used it.

Relics generally refer to objects, often very old, that have religious or historical importance. The term can also have a slightly nostalgic or sentimental value.

• The cathedral houses several relics of saints.
• She kept the old watch as a relic of her grandfather.

This word is suitable for referring to objects from ancient times, often those of cultural or historical significance. It is usually used in academic, historical, or museum contexts.

• The museum has a fascinating collection of Roman antiquities.
• Scholars are studying the antiquities to learn more about ancient civilizations.

Typically used to describe the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in rock formations. It's often associated with paleontology.

• The museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils.
• They discovered a fossil of a prehistoric fish.

Commonly used to refer to something that is no longer current or no longer fashionable. Often used in a neutral or slightly negative way.

• Her wardrobe is filled with outdated styles from the 90s.
• This software is outdated and needs to be upgraded.

Used to describe something that is very old-fashioned and no longer useful or efficient. It carries a slightly negative connotation when referring to outdated practices or technology.

• The company's antiquated practices are holding them back in the market.
• He insists on using that antiquated typewriter instead of a computer.

Best used when describing something extremely old or outdated, usually from a bygone era, often with a focus on historical or ancient times.

• The document contains many archaic words that are no longer in use.
• Their beliefs seemed archaic in the light of modern society.