Fossil Meaning and Definition
Fossil
Pronunciation
/ˈfɒsɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A remnant, impression, or trace of an organism from a past geological age, typically preserved in rock or sediment, and used to study the history of life on Earth.
Examples
- The discovery of a fossilized dinosaur in the Jurassic rock formation was a major scientific breakthrough.
- Fossils of ancient plants and animals have provided valuable insights into the evolution of life.
Synonyms
- Remnant
- Impression
- Traces
Antonyms
- Living
- Moder
Etymology
The word “Fossil” comes from the Latin “fossilis,” meaning “digged up” or “uncovered,” which was used to describe the process of extracting fossils from rocks.
Usage Notes
Fossils are often used in scientific research to study the evolution of species and the geological history of the Earth.
Cultural References
Fossils have appeared in popular culture, such as in the Jurassic Park movie franchise, where genetically engineered dinosaurs are brought back to life from fossils.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Fossils of the past are often used metaphorically to describe forgotten or abandoned ideas or practices.
Related Words or Phrases
- Species
- Evolution
- Paleontology
Collocations
- Fossil record
- Fossilized remains
- Fossil hunting
Frequency of Use
The word “Fossil” is commonly used in scientific and educational contexts, particularly in the fields of paleontology and geology.
Common Misspellings
- Fossl
- Fosel