Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fossilize

verb

/ˈfɒs.ɪ.laɪz/

Definition

To preserve remains of an organism in rock or a situation that is obsolete and unable to change.

Examples

The remains of the dinosaur were fossilized over millions of years.
Some traditions can fossilize and become rigid, lacking the ability to adapt.

Meaning

Fossilization is a process through which the remains of living organisms become trapped in sediment and are transformed into fossils over millions of years. When something is described as fossilized, it can also refer to ideas or practices that have become outdated.