1. fossils or organic matter that has been turned to stone through mineralization
Usage: geological; plural form
2. the process of turning organic matter into stone
Usage: geological; plural form referring to multiple instances

Examples

• The museum displayed ancient petrifactions of tree trunks and leaves.
• Scientists studied the petrifactions to learn about prehistoric plant life.
• The cave contained remarkable petrifactions of marine creatures.
• These petrifactions formed over millions of years through mineral replacement.
• The geology class examined various petrifactions found in sedimentary rock.
• Collectors prize well-preserved petrifactions for their scientific value.