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Petrification: meaning, definitions and examples

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petrification

 

[ ˌpɛtrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • The petrification of the tree stump took thousands of years.
  • She stood in petrification, unable to move as the news hit her.
fossilization

Commonly used to describe the process through which organic material is turned into fossils over millions of years. Often associated with paleontology.

  • The fossilization of dinosaur bones provides invaluable information about ancient life forms.
  • Through the process of fossilization, the shell was preserved in great detail.
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.

  • Mineralization in bones helps strengthen their structure.
  • The mineralization of the sediment created colorful rock formations.

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'petrification' originates from the Latin word 'petra' meaning rock, and 'ficare' meaning to make. The process of petrification has fascinated scientists and geologists for centuries, providing valuable insights into the preservation of ancient organisms and the formation of mineral deposits. Petrified wood and other petrified remains have been important sources of information about prehistoric life and environments.

See also: petrified.

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.