Petrification

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Greek πέτρα "petra" (rock).

Full definition of petrification

Noun

1. the process of replacing the organic residues of plants (and animals) with insoluble salts, the original shape and topography being retained
2. (figurative) obduracy; callousness

Synonyms

• petrifaction

Related terms

• petrified forest
• petrified wood