petrifaction
/ˌpɛtrəˈfækʃən/
noun
- The process of turning organic material into stone or a stony substance, often through the replacement of original material with minerals.
- Scientists study petrifaction to understand how fossils form over millions of years.
- The petrifaction of the ancient forest created a stunning landscape of stone logs.
- The petrifaction of wood occurs when minerals slowly replace the plant cells.
- A state of being so frightened or shocked that one cannot move or react.
- Her petrifaction was obvious when she saw the bear on the trail.
- The sudden noise caused a moment of petrifaction in the hikers.
- The audience sat in petrifaction during the horror movie's climax.
Synonyms