noun / adjective
fossil
FAH-suhl/ˈfɑːsl/
A preserved remnant of life from the distant past.
A spiral ammonite fossil lies embedded in a split stone slab.
Etymology
Meaning “dug up,” the ancestor described how something was obtained, not whether it had once lived. English narrowed “anything dug up” to geological remains of ancient plants or animals.
In context
Encased in stone for 80 million years, a fossil from the ancient seabed has revealed something thought impossible. Scientists examining the specimen discovered what they believe to be exquisitely preserved cellular structures.
More examples
- Scientists study fossils to learn how ancient animals lived.
- The fossil footprints show where a dinosaur once walked.
- Coal is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plant material.
Forms
fossil · fossils
fossilize verb — To become or preserve as a fossil.
fossilization noun — The process of becoming a fossil.