petrification
/ˌpɛtrəfɪˈkeɪʃən/
noun
- The process of turning organic material into stone or a stony substance, often through the replacement of original material with minerals.
- The petrification of bones happens very slowly over thousands of years.
- Visitors to the park can see examples of petrification in the fossil exhibits.
- Petrification can preserve the detailed structure of ancient trees.
- A state of being so frightened or shocked that one cannot move or react.
- Her petrification was so complete that she didn't even blink.
- He stood in petrification as the car skidded toward him.
- The loud crash caused a moment of petrification in the classroom.
Synonyms