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Fossilizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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fossilizing

 

[ ˈfɒsɪlaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

biological process

Fossilizing refers to the process by which organic materials are preserved as fossils over geological time. This occurs through various methods such as mineralization, where the original organic material is replaced by minerals, or through other preservation techniques like amber or ice entrapment. Fossilizing takes place over millions of years and requires specific conditions to preserve the remains without significant decomposition.

Synonyms

mineralizing, petrifying, preserving

Examples of usage

  • The dinosaur bones began fossilizing millions of years ago.
  • Scientists study the conditions that lead to fossilizing.
  • Fossilizing requires the right environmental conditions.
  • This ancient tree was fossilizing in a lava flow.

Translations

Translations of the word "fossilizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fossilização

🇮🇳 जीवाश्म बनाना

🇩🇪 Versteinerung

🇮🇩 fossilisasi

🇺🇦 фосилізація

🇵🇱 fossylizacja

🇯🇵 化石化

🇫🇷 fossilisation

🇪🇸 fossilización

🇹🇷 fosilleşme

🇰🇷 화석화

🇸🇦 تحجر

🇨🇿 fosilizace

🇸🇰 fosilizácia

🇨🇳 化石化

🇸🇮 fosilizacija

🇮🇸 steingerving

🇰🇿 тасқа айналдыру

🇬🇪 ფოსილიზაცია

🇦🇿 fosiləşmə

🇲🇽 fossilización

Etymology

The term 'fossilize' originates from the Latin word 'fossilis', meaning 'dug up'. The historical context stems from the early scientific understanding of fossils in the 17th century, when naturalists began to distinguish between organic remains found in sedimentary layers and contemporary organisms. As geological knowledge evolved, so did the interpretation of how these remnants became preserved through processes influenced by rock formation and decay. The word has been used in a broader sense to describe anything that has become rigid or stuck in a certain state, highlighting both the scientific and metaphorical applications of the process.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,515, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.