Fossilify

/ˈfɒsɪlɪfaɪ/ verb

Definition

To turn into or become a fossil through natural processes over millions of years.

Etymology

From fossil (from Latin fossilis 'dug up') + -ify (Latin facere 'to make'). The suffix -ify means to cause something to become or turn into something else.

Kelly Says

This word is basically extinct—most scientists prefer 'fossilize' instead. But 'fossilify' shows how English lets us turn almost any noun into a verb by adding -ify, like 'petrify' or 'calcify,' making our language endlessly creative!

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