fossiliferous

[ fos-uh-lif-er-uhs ]

adjective

1. bearing or containing fossils, as rocks or strata.

fossiliferous

/ ˌfɒsɪˈlɪfərəs /

adjective

1. (of sedimentary rocks) containing fossils

Other Words From

• nonfos·sil·ifer·ous adjective
• unfos·sil·ifer·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fossiliferous¹

First recorded in 1840–50; fossil + -i- + -ferous

Example Sentences

Somebody has styled fossiliferous rocks 'monuments of the felicity of past ages.'

From Project Gutenberg

Now, the fossiliferous strata of our globe afford similar proofs of varying climatic and physical conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

The Upper Devonian is less fossiliferous, but contains some large trilobites, various marine shells, and some land-plants.

From Project Gutenberg

This survey has developed the older fossiliferous rocks, with a fullness and distinctness unknown elsewhere.

From Project Gutenberg

Above is the hard fossiliferous limestone, which is a base-bed in Western Palestine.

From Project Gutenberg