petrification

== English == === Etymology === From French pétrification, from Middle French pétrifier + -ation. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˌpɛtɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ Rhymes: -eɪʃən === Noun === petrification (countable and uncountable, plural petrifications) Turning to stone: the process of replacement of the organic residues of plants (and animals) with insoluble salts, with the original shape and topography being retained. (figurative) obduracy; callousness. (figurative) Sheer terror; great fright. ==== Synonyms ==== petrifaction ==== Related terms ==== petrified forest petrified wood petrify ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== crystallization vitrification