Petrifaction

[,petrɪ'fækʃən] or [,pɛtrə'fækʃən]

Definition

(noun.) a rock created by petrifaction; an organic object infiltrated with mineral matter and preserved in its original form.

(noun.) the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape.

Checked by Emma--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The process of petrifying, or changing into stone; conversion of any organic matter (animal or vegetable) into stone, or a substance of stony hardness.

(n.) The state or condition of being petrified.

(n.) That which is petrified; popularly, a body incrusted with stony matter; an incrustation.

(n.) Fig.: Hardness; callousness; obduracy.

Inputed by Hodge