1. the process of turning organic matter into stone through mineral replacement
Usage: geological
2. something that has been petrified or turned to stone
3. a state of being paralyzed by fear or shock
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The petrifaction of the ancient tree took millions of years.
• Scientists studied the petrifaction found in the limestone quarry.
• The museum displayed beautiful examples of wood petrifaction.
• Her petrifaction at the sight of the accident was understandable.
• The process of petrifaction preserves organic structures in stone.
• The petrifaction of the forest created a unique geological formation.