petrifaction

noun

pet·ri·fac·tion ˌpe-trə-ˈfak-shən

: the process of petrifying

: something petrified

: the quality or state of being petrified

Word History

Etymology

Middle English petrifaccioun, borrowed (with conformation to nouns ending in -faccio(u)n, such as liquefaccion liquefaction) from Medieval Latin petrificātiōn-, petrificātiō, from petrificāre "to turn into stone, petrify" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of petrifaction was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Petrifaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrifaction. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

petrifaction

noun

pet·ri·fac·tion ˌpe-trə-ˈfak-shən

: the process of petrifying or state of being petrified

: something that is petrified

Medical Definition

petrifaction

noun

pet·ri·fac·tion ˌpe-trə-ˈfak-shən

: the process of petrifying

calcification or petrifaction of tissue

: something petrified

: the quality or state of being petrified

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petrifaction

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near petrifaction

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition