subfossil
/sʌbˈfɑsəl/
noun
- The remains of an organism that is not fully fossilized, often retaining some original organic material.
- Subfossils provide valuable clues about species that lived thousands of years ago.
- Researchers discovered a subfossil in the cave that was only partially mineralized.
- The subfossil of the ancient bird still contained traces of feathers and DNA.
adjective
- Relating to or being a subfossil; partially fossilized.
- The museum displayed a subfossil skeleton of a giant sloth.
- The subfossil bones were fragile and required careful handling.
- Subfossil remains are often found in peat bogs or dry caves.