fossilize
[fos-uh-lahyz]
verb (used with object), fos·sil·ized, fos·sil·iz·ing.
Geology. to convert into a fossil; replace organic with mineral substances in the remains of an organism.
to change as if into mere lifeless remains or traces of the past.
to make rigidly antiquated: Time has fossilized such methods.
verb (used without object), fos·sil·ized, fos·sil·iz·ing.
to become a fossil or like a fossil: The plant fossilized in comparatively recent geologic time.
Linguistics. (of a linguistic form, feature, rule, etc.) to become permanently established in the interlanguage of a second-language learner in a form that is deviant from the target-language norm and that continues to appear in performance regardless of further exposure to the target language.
Also especially British, fos·sil·ise.
Origin of fossilize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for fossilization
freezing, coagulation, concretion, setting, petrification, crystallization, ossification, calcificationExamples from the Web for fossilization
Historical Examples of fossilization
Such hard parts or shells were commonly favorable for fossilization.
GeologyWilliam J. Miller
To evoking the instincts of bygone ages, which have not been preserved by fossilization?
More Hunting WaspsJ. Henri Fabre
Till men began to wonder at the stratification of rocks, and the fossilization of shells, there was no science of Geology.
Westminster SermonsCharles Kingsley
A very common kind of fossilization is the preservation of only the hard parts of organisms.
GeologyWilliam J. Miller
Glimpses there were of the handy, affectionate, sympathizing woman, emerging from fossilization.
IdolatryJulian Hawthorne
fossilize
fossilise
verb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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fossilize
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper