petrification

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun petrification has 1 sense

petrifaction, petrification - the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape
--₁ is a kind of fossilization, fossilisation

Derived form: verb petrify₂

Definitions from the Web

Petrification

Noun: The act or process of turning into stone.

Sense 1: A physical or chemical process that transforms organic material into hardened rock over time.

Example: The petrification of a fallen tree can take thousands of years.

Sense 2: The state of being converted to stone or rock.

Example: The fossilized remains show clear signs of petrification.

Sense 3: An extreme state of fear, shock, or immobilization.

Example: The movie's terrifying climax left the audience in petrification.