petrification

See also: pétrification

English

Etymology

From French pétrification, from Middle French pétrifier + -ation.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˌpɛtɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Noun

petrification (countable and uncountable, plural petrifications)

Turning to stone: the process of replacement of the organic residues of plants (and animals) with insoluble salts, with the original shape and topography being retained.
(figurative) obduracy; callousness.
- 1681, Henry Hallywell, Melampronoea:
  a Petrification or Mortification of the Mind
(figurative) Sheer terror; great fright.

Synonyms

petrifaction

Related terms

petrified forest
petrified wood
petrify

Translations

process of replacing the organic residues with insoluble salts

Dutch: verstening
German: Versteinerung (de) f, Petrifikation f
Greek:
Ancient: πώρωσις f (pṓrōsis)
Maori: whakatokatanga
Occitan: petrificacion
Polish: petryfikacja (pl) f
Spanish: petrificación (es) f, silicatización

See also

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