petrifaction

pet·ri·fac·tion  (ptr-fkshn) also pet·ri·fi·ca·tion (-f-kshn)

n.

1. A process of fossilization in which dissolved minerals replace organic matter.

2. The state of being stunned or paralyzed with fear.

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petrifaction (ptr-fkshn) also petrification  (ptr-f-kshn)

The process by which organic materials are turned into rock. Petrifaction occurs when water that is rich with inorganic minerals, such as calcium carbonate or silica, passes slowly through organic matter, such as wood or bone, replacing its cellular structure with minerals.

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petrification, petrifaction

Iapidification.

See also: Processes

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lapidification.

See also: Stones

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	petrifaction - the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape petrification fossilisation, fossilization - the process of fossilizing a plant or animal that existed in some earlier age; the process of being turned to stone
	2.	petrifaction - a rock created by petrifaction; an organic object infiltrated with mineral matter and preserved in its original form rock, stone - a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter; "he threw a rock at me"