petrifaction (petrifakshon)

[L. as if * petrifactio ( n- ), form and structure of the organized body is preserved.-2. An organic substance converted into stone; a fo il. The words petrifaction and fo il are entirely synonymous at the present times Formerly fo il was applied to minerals or mineral substances from the earth whether they did or did not exhibit any traces of organic structure. See fo il. 3. Figuratively, a rigid or stunned condition resulting from fear, astonishment, etc.