fossil

¹fos·sil

adjective \ˈfä-səl\

Definition of FOSSIL

1

: preserved from a past geologic age <fossil plants> <fossil water in an underground reservoir>

2

: being or resembling a fossil

3

: of or relating to fossil fuel

Origin of FOSSIL

Latin fossilis obtained by digging, from fodere to dig — more at bed

First Known Use: 1604

Rhymes with FOSSIL

dossal, jostle, tassel, throstle, warsle, wassail

²fossil

noun

Definition of FOSSIL

1

: a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust — compare living fossil

2

a : a person whose views are outmoded : fogy

b : something (as a theory) that has become rigidly fixed

3

: an old word or word element preserved only by idiom (as fro in to and fro)

Examples of FOSSIL

1. <some old fossil who thinks that a boy and a girl shouldn't be together unsupervised until they are engaged>

First Known Use of FOSSIL

1736

Related to FOSSIL

Synonyms

antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt

Antonyms

hipster, modern, trendy

Related Words

conservative, rightist, Tory; mandarin, old hand, old-timer, veteran; old maid

Near Antonyms

liberal, progressive, radical

Rhymes with FOSSIL

jostle, tassel, warsle, wassail

fossil

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Remnant, impression, or trace of an animal or plant of a past geologic age that has been preserved in the Earth's crust. The data recorded in fossils, known as the fossil record, constitute the primary source of information about the history of life on the Earth. Only a small fraction of ancient organisms are preserved as fossils, and usually only organisms that have a solid skeleton or shell. A shell or bone that is buried quickly after deposition may retain organic tissue, though it becomes petrified (converted to a stony substance) over time. Unaltered hard parts, such as the shells of clams, are relatively common in sedimentary rocks. The soft parts of animals or plants are rarely preserved. The embedding of insects in amber and the preservation of mammoths in ice are rare but striking examples of the fossil preservation of soft tissues. Traces of organisms may also occur as tracks, trails, or even borings.