petrification

noun

pet·​ri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌpe-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce petrification (audio)

Examples of petrification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The result is both visually and scientifically striking—many of the logs maintain their original external form through petrification while the interior structure is lost. Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petrification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin petrificātiōn-, petrificātiō — more at petrifaction

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrification was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near petrification

Cite this Entry

“Petrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrification. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

petrification

noun
pet·​ri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌpe-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce petrification (audio)

Medical Definition

petrification

noun
pet·​ri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌpe-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce petrification (audio)
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