Definition of Fossilize

1. Verb. Convert to a fossil. "The little animals fossilized and are now embedded in the limestone"

Exact synonyms: Fossilise
Generic synonyms: Convert
Specialized synonyms: Lapidify, Petrify
Derivative terms: Fossilisation, Fossil, Fossilization

2. Verb. Become mentally inflexible.
Exact synonyms: Fossilise
Generic synonyms: Age, Get On, Maturate, Mature, Senesce
Derivative terms: Fossilisation

Definition of Fossilize

1. v. t. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.

2. v. i. To become fossil.

Definition of Fossilize

1. Verb. (intransitive) to become a fossil ¹

2. Verb. (context: by extension intransitive) to become inflexible or outmoded ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Fossilize

1. [v -IZED, -IZING, -IZES]

Medical Definition of Fossilize

1. 1. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood. 2. To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden. "Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth." (Mrs. Browning) Origin: Cf. F. Fossiliser. 1. To become fossil. 2. To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Fossilize

fossilifies
fossilify
fossilifying
fossilisation
fossilise
fossilised
fossilises
fossilising
fossilism
fossilist
fossilists
fossility
fossilizable
fossilization
fossilizations
fossilize (current term)
fossilized
fossilizes
fossilizing
fossilogy
fossilology
fossils
fossor
fossores
fossoria
fossorial
fossorial foot
fossorial mammal
fossorious
fossors

Literary usage of Fossilize

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Divine Comedy of Patriotism by Mortimer Thomson (1900)
"£)o you selfishly fossilize in the seat of your honors, Debating good laws to death in a mausoleum of emeriti? 91- The cranks of the state abound, ..."

2. Select Essays in Anglo-American Legal History by Association of American Law Schools (1908)
"... the system would fossilize (as common law pleading has fossilized, as some of our codes tend to fossilize) unless the courts themselves were authorized ..."

3. Suomalais-englantilainen sanakirja by Severi Alanne (1919)
"... become petrified, be turned to stone, petrify; become a fossil, fossilize. ... fossilize. ki vet« pave (with stones). ..."

4. Science and Industry (1899)
"Gladstones and Beechers never fossilize. Any occupation is, in general, however, easiest to him that has familiarized himself with its processes by repeated ..."

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