Fossilization

fos·sil·ize  (fs-lz)

v. fos·sil·ized, fos·sil·iz·ing, fos·sil·iz·es

v.tr.

1. To convert into a fossil.

2. To make outmoded or inflexible with time; antiquate.

v.intr.

To become a fossil.

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fossil·i·zation (-s-l-zshn) n.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	fossilization - the process of fossilizing a plant or animal that existed in some earlier age; the process of being turned to stone fossilisation natural action, natural process, action, activity - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity" petrifaction, petrification - the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape
	2.	fossilization - becoming inflexible or out of date fossilisation passage, transition - the act of passing from one state or place to the next