'Petrifaction' definitions:
Definition of 'petrifaction'
(from WordNet)
noun
The process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape [syn: petrifaction, petrification]
noun
A rock created by petrifaction; an organic object infiltrated with mineral matter and preserved in its original form
Definition of 'Petrifaction'
From: GCIDE
- Petrifaction \Pet`ri*fac"tion\, n. [See Petrify.]
- 1. The process of petrifying, or changing into stone; conversion of any organic matter (animal or vegetable) into stone, or a substance of stony hardness. [1913 Webster]
- 2. The state or condition of being petrified. [1913 Webster]
- 3. That which is petrified; popularly, a body incrusted with stony matter; an incrustation. [1913 Webster]
- 4. Fig.: Hardness; callousness; obduracy. "Petrifaction of the soul." --Cudworth. [1913 Webster]