petrification
Turning to stone
Petrification is the process of turning to stone.
In geology, organic material becomes petrified when minerals gradually replace its original structure, preserving form while transforming substance: the petrification of ancient forests.
Figuratively, petrification describes being frozen by fear or shock—so terrified you can't move: She stood in petrification as the bear approached.
The word also describes institutions or ideas becoming rigid and unchanging: the petrification of bureaucracy.
Mineral hardening of tissue
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
- solidificationTransition to firm state
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
- crystallizationForming ordered solid structure
concretion · induration · calcium · mineral · stone · rock · transform · conversion
Study of ancient organisms
- amberHardened ancient tree secretion
- trilobiteExtinct segmented marine arthropod
- dinosaurExtinct Mesozoic reptile
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
cast · impression · sedimentation · mineralization · geology · remains · trace · prehistoric
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
- frozenSolidified by extreme cold
panic · shock · trepidation · alarm · fright · apprehension · Medusa · Gorgon
Absence of flow or progress
- rigidityState of being unbending
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
stasis · inertia · unchanging · stuck · hidebound · fossilized · antiquated · frozen
calcification
Mineral hardening of tissue
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
- solidificationTransition to firm state
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
crystallization · concretion · induration · calcium · mineral · stone · rock · transform · conversion · encrustation
paleontology
Study of ancient organisms
- amberHardened ancient tree secretion
- trilobiteExtinct segmented marine arthropod
- dinosaurExtinct Mesozoic reptile
fossil · cast · impression · sedimentation · mineralization · geology · remains · trace · prehistoric · specimen
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
frozen · panic · shock · trepidation · alarm · fright · apprehension · Medusa · Gorgon · basilisk
stagnation
Absence of flow or progress
- rigidityState of being unbending
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
ossification · stasis · inertia · unchanging · stuck · hidebound · fossilized · antiquated · frozen · immovable
mummification
Preserving bodies after death
- PompeiiVolcano-buried Roman city
- HerculaneumRoman town buried by eruption
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
volcanic · snapshot · moment · eternal · permanence · lifelike · detail · intact · ancient · relic
calcium
Element twenty, builds bones
- magical effectsinvisibility, teleportation, levitation, enchantment, hex
- magical transformationshapeshifting, metamorphosis, polymorph, transfiguration, transmogrification
- slow processesaging, evolution, continental drift, erosion, weathering
- spellsspell, cast, conjure, curse, enchantment
- superpowerstelekinesis, telepathy, superpower, invisibility, force powers
- Earth processesplate tectonics, erosion, weathering, volcanism, sedimentation
petrificationdecay
Gradual organic breakdown
decomposition · liquefaction · rotting · putrefaction · biodegradation
petrificationanimation
Technique creating movement illusion
invigoration · mobilization · galvanization · emboldening · composure
petrified, petrify, petroleum, petrifying, petrifies, petrifaction, saltpeter