Petrification: meaning, definitions and examples
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petrification
[ˌpɛtrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definition
process of turning organic matter into stone
Petrification is the process by which organic material is converted into stone through mineralization. This process can occur over millions of years, as the organic material gradually decays and is replaced by minerals such as silica or calcite.
Synonyms
fossilization, mineralization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| petrification |
Typically used in a geological context where organic material is gradually replaced by minerals, but can also be used metaphorically to describe someone being extremely scared or shocked.
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| fossilization |
Commonly used to describe the process through which organic material is turned into fossils over millions of years. Often associated with paleontology.
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| mineralization |
Usually used in scientific discussions involving the process by which organic material is converted into inorganic minerals. This can occur in both geological and biological fields.
|
Examples of usage
- Over time, the petrification of wood can result in the formation of fossilized trees.
- The petrification of bones can preserve them for millions of years.
- The petrification of a plant can create a mineralized replica of its original form.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin 'petra,' meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' combined with the suffix '-ification,' which implies a process.
- It was first recorded in the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting the scientific exploration of fossils at that time.
Science
- Petrification occurs through a process involving mineral replacement, where water rich in minerals seeps into organic materials like wood.
- The conditions must be just right—typically, it requires burial under sediment in a low-oxygen environment to prevent decomposition and allow mineral absorption.
Fossils
- Some of the oldest known petrified forests date back over 200 million years, showcasing immense changes in earth's climates and environments.
- Petrified wood can retain the original structure of the tree, including growth rings and bark patterns, giving paleontologists insight into ancient ecosystems.
Cultural References
- In literature and film, characters that undergo petrification often symbolize transformation, loss, or the passage of time.
- The mythology of Medusa showcases petrification as a curse, where people turned to stone represent unyielding consequences of certain actions.
Nature
- Petrification occurs naturally in various geological formations, contributing to the formation of diverse landscapes, such as petrified forests and geological structures.
- Certain minerals like silica, calcite, or pyrite are commonly responsible for the petrification process, each creating unique fossil characteristics.
Translations
Translations of the word "petrification" in other languages:
🇵🇹 petrificação
🇮🇳 शिलारूपण
🇩🇪 Versteinerung
🇮🇩 pembatuan
🇺🇦 окаменіння
🇵🇱 skamieniałość
🇯🇵 石化 (sekka)
🇫🇷 pétrification
🇪🇸 petrificación
🇹🇷 taşlaşma
🇰🇷 석화 (seokhwa)
🇸🇦 تحجر (taḥajur)
🇨🇿 zkamenění
🇸🇰 skamenenie
🇨🇳 石化 (shíhuà)
🇸🇮 okamenitev
🇮🇸 steingerving
🇰🇿 тасқалаулану
🇬🇪 კამენება (kameneba)
🇦🇿 daşlaşma
🇲🇽 petrificación
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,895, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.