| fossilize | 1. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood. 2. To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden. "Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth." (Mrs. Browning) Origin: Cf. F. Fossiliser. 1. To become fossil. 2. To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|---|
| fossilized | Converted into a fossil; antiquated; firmly fixed in views or opinions. "A fossilized sample of confused provincialism." (Earle) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |