petrification
noun/ˌpɛtɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Etymology From French pétrification, from Middle French pétrifier + -ation.
1
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.
2
Figuratively obduracy; callousness.
- a Petrification or Mortification of the Mind1681, Henry Hallywell, Melampronoea:
3
Figuratively Sheer terror; great fright.
- Synonyms
- petrifaction
- Related terms
- petrified forest, petrified wood, petrify, crystallization, vitrification