fossilize

Turn to rock

To fossilize is to become or make into a fossil—organic remains preserved in rock over geological time.

The process takes millions of years as minerals replace bone and tissue.

Figuratively, to fossilize is to become rigid and outdated: His thinking fossilized decades ago.

Fossilized views or institutions have calcified beyond adaptation.

Also spelled fossilise in British English.

petrification

mineralize

Convert to inorganic matter

calcifyHite calcium deposits form
lithifyConvert to stone
silicifyReplace with quartz

solidify · harden · crystallize · stone · sedimentary · limestone · shale · sandstone · imprint · cast

stagnation

ossify

Convert to calcium tissue

rigidifyMake firm, unyielding
calcifyHite calcium deposits form
stagnateCease to develop

freeze · entrench · crystallize · fixed · inflexible · unchanging · static · outdated · obsolete · antiquated

preservation

preserve

Protect from loss

recordPreserved account or achievement
captureTake into custody
immortalizeMake lastingly famous

embed · encase · entomb · imprint · memorialize · archive · remnant · vestige · relic · evidence

paleontology

dinosaurs

Extinct prehistoric reptiles

trilobitesExtinct marine arthropods
ammonitesExtinct coiled-shell cephalopods
archaeopteryxEarly feathered dinosaur genus

pterosaur · ichthyosaur · mastodon · megafauna · excavation · stratigraphy · paleobiology · coprolites · specimens · extinction

Categories

geology verbserode, deposit, subduct, uplift, fault
change verbschange, alter, transform, modify, convert
lab verbsanalyze, boil, calibrate, centrifuge, condense
turn to stonepetrify, Medusa, Gorgon, basilisk, cockatrice

Opposites

physical preservation vs. decomposition

fossilizedecompose

Break into simpler parts

decay · rot · disintegrate · putrefy · biodegrade

change and adaptation vs. rigidity

fossilizeevolve

Change gradually over time

adapt · modernize · innovate · progress · develop

hardening vs. liquefaction

fossilizemelt

Change from solid

liquefy · dissolve · thaw · soften · vaporize

Phrases

fossilized bonesMineralized ancient skeletal material
fossilized shellPreserved prehistoric exoskeleton
fossilized remainsPreserved prehistoric organisms
fossilized tracksPreserved prehistoric footprints
fossilized woodMineralized ancient plant remains

Family

fossilized, fossilization, fossilised, fossilizing, fossilizes, fossilise, fossilising, fossilises

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G