1-Stop Dictionary Reference

Petrifaction

ahd-5

noun. A process of fossilization in which dissolved minerals replace organic matter.

noun. The state of being stunned or paralyzed with fear.

The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

noun. Conversion into stone, specifically of organic substances or parts of such: fossilization; replacement of organic matter by some mineral substance, in which process more or less of the form and structure of the organized body is preserved.

noun. An organic substance converted into stone; a fossil.

noun. Figuratively, a rigid or stunned condition resulting from fear, astonishment, etc.

the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English

noun. The process of petrifying, or changing into stone; conversion of any organic matter (animal or vegetable) into stone, or a substance of stony hardness.

noun. The state or condition of being petrified.

noun. That which is petrified; popularly, a body incrusted with stony matter; an incrustation.

noun. Fig.: Hardness; callousness; obduracy.

Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

noun. the condition of being petrified

WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

noun. the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape

noun. a rock created by petrifaction; an organic object infiltrated with mineral matter and preserved in its original form

Word Usage

"The same kind of petrifaction is to be seen, it is said, at the hot springs of"

Hypernym

Words that are more generic or abstract

fossilisation fossilization rock stone

Same Context

Words that are found in similar contexts

Zocor breccia crystallization diaphysis dovecot

Synonym

Words with the same meaning

callousness incrustation obduracy