Recent Examples on the WebThe result is both visually and scientifically striking—many of the logs maintain their original external form through petrification while the interior structure is lost.—Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petrification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin petrificātiōn-, petrificātiō — more at petrifaction
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