petrifaction

[pe-truh-fak-shuhn]

petrifaction Definition

• 1. the process of organic matter turning into stone or a stony substance
• 2. a state of extreme fear, nervousness, or immobility

Using petrifaction: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "petrifaction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The petrifaction of the wood occurred over millions of years.

• Example

  The petrifaction of the dinosaur bones allowed them to be preserved for millions of years.

• Example

  I was struck with petrifaction when I saw the bear in front of me.

• Example

  The petrifaction on her face showed how scared she was.

petrifaction Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for petrifaction

• fossilization
• ossification
• solidification
• stiffening

Phrases with petrifaction

• petrified forest

  a forest where the trees have been turned to stone through petrifaction

  Example

  The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is home to a large petrified forest.

• petrified wood

  wood that has been turned to stone through petrifaction

  Example

  The petrified wood found in the Petrified Forest National Park is over 200 million years old.

• petrified with fear

  to be so scared that one cannot move or speak

  Example

  I was petrified with fear when I saw the snake in my room.

Origins of petrifaction

from Latin 'petra' meaning 'rock' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'

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Summary: petrifaction in Brief

Petrifaction [pe-truh-fak-shuhn] refers to the process of organic matter turning into stone or a stony substance. It can also describe a state of extreme fear, nervousness, or immobility. Examples include the petrifaction of wood and dinosaur bones, as well as being struck with petrifaction when encountering danger. Phrases include 'petrified forest,' 'petrified wood,' and 'petrified with fear.'