petrification

From French pétrification, from Middle French pétrifier + -ation.

• IPA^(key): /ˌpɛtɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

petrification (countable and uncountable, plural petrifications)

1. the process of replacing the organic residues of plants (and animals) with insoluble salts, the original shape and topography being retained
2. (figurative) obduracy; callousness
   • 1681, Henry Hallywell, Melampronoea:

     a Petrification or Mortification of the Mind

3. sheer terror; great fright

• petrifaction

• petrified forest
• petrified wood