Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

petrifaction

noun

/ˌpɛtrɪˈfækʃən/

Definition

The process of turning organic material into stone or a stone-like substance through mineralization.

Examples

The petrifaction of wood creates beautiful fossils that showcase detailed patterns.
Over millions of years, the petrifaction process turned the ancient trees into stunning stone formations.

Meaning

Petrifaction refers to the transformation of once-living organisms into a fossilized state, where the original organic material is replaced by minerals.