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Fossilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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fossilize

 

[ ˈfɑː.səl.aɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in science

To convert into a fossil; to make or become petrified. Fossilization typically occurs when an organism is buried by sediment and the organic materials are replaced by minerals over time.

Synonyms

mineralize, petrify, solidify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fossilize

Typically used in the context of organic material that has been preserved in the earth over a long period, turning into a fossil.

  • During the excavation, they discovered bones that had fossilized over millions of years.
  • The leaves fossilized in the sediment.
petrify

Primarily used to describe organic material that has turned to stone due to a long process, but can also mean to make someone extremely scared (in a non-literal sense).

  • The tree trunk has petrified over centuries.
  • The loud noise in the middle of the night petrified her.
mineralize

Often used in the context of a substance converting into a mineral form or the process of forming minerals.

  • Water can mineralize when it passes through certain types of rocks.
  • The body's ability to mineralize calcium is essential for strong bones.
solidify

Often used in a general sense to describe something turning from a liquid or soft state into a solid state.

  • The lava will solidify as it cools down.
  • The plan began to solidify after several meetings.

Examples of usage

  • The dinosaur bones fossilized over millions of years.
  • After being buried for centuries, the ancient tree stump finally began to fossilize.
  • The process of fossilization can provide valuable insights into prehistoric life.
  • Scientists study the fossilized remains of plants and animals to understand more about Earth's history.
  • The museum displays a variety of fossilized specimens for visitors to see.

Translations

Translations of the word "fossilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fossilizar

🇮🇳 जीवाश्म बनाना

🇩🇪 versteinern

🇮🇩 membatu

🇺🇦 окаменівати

🇵🇱 fosylizować

🇯🇵 化石化する (かせきかする)

🇫🇷 fossiliser

🇪🇸 fosilizar

🇹🇷 fosilleşmek

🇰🇷 화석화하다

🇸🇦 تحجر

🇨🇿 fosilizovat

🇸🇰 fosilizovať

🇨🇳 变成化石 (biàn chéng huàshí)

🇸🇮 fosilizirati

🇮🇸 steingervingur

🇰🇿 тасқа айналу

🇬🇪 გათხევადება

🇦🇿 fossilləşmək

🇲🇽 fosilizar

Etymology

The word "fossilize" originates from the Latin word "fossilis", meaning "dug up" or "obtained by digging". The term was first used in the 18th century to describe the process of turning organic remains into fossils through the replacement of organic materials with minerals. Fossilization plays a crucial role in paleontology and our understanding of ancient life forms.

See also: fossilization, fossilized.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,098, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.