verb
- to convert into coal or a coal-like substance through geological or chemical processes
Usage: technical; geology
Examples
- Over millions of years, ancient plant material will coalify under heat and pressure.
- The process by which peat coalifies into bituminous coal takes considerable time.
- Organic matter in sedimentary layers can coalify when subjected to sufficient temperature and compression.
- Scientists study how different vegetation types coalify to understand coal formation.
- The coalified remains of prehistoric forests are now mined for energy.