fossilize

[ fos-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, fos·sil·ized, fos·sil·iz·ing.

1. Geology. to convert into a fossil; replace organic with mineral substances in the remains of an organism.
2. to change as if into mere lifeless remains or traces of the past.
3. to make rigidly antiquated:

   Time has fossilized such methods.

verb (used without object)

, fos·sil·ized, fos·sil·iz·ing.

1. to become a fossil or like a fossil:

   The plant fossilized in comparatively recent geologic time.

2. Linguistics. (of a linguistic form, feature, rule, etc.) to become permanently established in the interlanguage of a second-language learner in a form that is deviant from the target-language norm and that continues to appear in performance regardless of further exposure to the target language.

fossilize

/ ˈfɒsɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to convert or be converted into a fossil
2. to become or cause to become antiquated or inflexible

Derived Forms

• ˈfossilˌizable, adjective
• ˌfossiliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• fossil·iza·ble adjective
• fossil·i·zation noun
• semi·fossil·ized adjective
• un·fossil·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fossilize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; fossil + -ize

Example Sentences

For many years, paleontologists have debated what these prehistoric big cats would have looked like based on their fossilized bones.

From Science Magazine

At benches they brush and gently scrape dust from fossilized bone, with the gentle dexterity of dentists cleaning Jurassic-era teeth.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the Senate was not interested in “fossilized” processes and would welcome reviewing them with the regents.

From Los Angeles Times

Behl is testing the chemical and mineral composition of the fossil blocks, hoping scientists can learn more about these prehistoric environments including the atmosphere and the conditions that enabled animal remains to fossilize.

From Los Angeles Times

For clues, scientists behind a recent study in the journal Communications Biology analyzed four tardigrades that have been preserved in amber — the only known fossilized tardigrades in the entire world.

From Salon

Related Words

• dwindle
• shrink
• wilt
• wither