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Fossil: Definition, Usage & Examples in English (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：petrified remains (fossil)
fossil
/ˈfɒs.əl/
n.
The remains or impression of a very old plant or animal that has turned into stone over millions of years.
petrified remains
➕
/ˈpet.rɪ.faɪd rɪˈmeɪnz/
n.
The preserved remains or impressions of ancient plants or animals that have mineralized over millions of years.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'fossilis' (dug up), from 'fodere' (to dig).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'fossil' as 'old soil' – ancient things buried in the ground.
📖 Example
At the natural history museum, we saw the fossil of a dinosaur that was over 65 million years old.
In the natural history museum, we viewed a dinosaur fossil that was more than 65 million years old.
🔗 Collocations
fossil fuel – fuel formed from the remains of ancient organisms
fossil record – the collective evidence of past life as documented by fossils
fossil hunting – the activity of searching for fossils
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
living organism (n.) – a currently alive plant or animal
modern specimen (n.) – a contemporary example or sample
🌱 Derivatives
fossilize (v.) – to become a fossil or to make something become a fossil
fossilization (n.) – the process of becoming a fossil
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'fossilis', meaning 'dug up'. The term entered English in the 17th century, initially for any buried object, later specializing to preserved organic remains.
Meaning 2：old-fashioned person (fossil)
fossil
/ˈfɒs.əl/
n.
(informal) A person with very old-fashioned ideas who is unwilling to change or accept new things.
old-fashioned person
➕
/ˌəʊld ˈfæʃ.ənd ˈpɜː.sən/
n.
A person who holds very traditional or outdated views and resists change or new ideas.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My grandpa is such a fossil when it comes to technology; he refuses to use a smartphone and insists on writing letters by hand.
My grandfather is a real fossil regarding technology; he won't use a smartphone and prefers to write letters by hand.
🔗 Collocations
technological fossil – a person resistant to new technology
social fossil – a person with outdated social views
🔄 Synonyms
dinosaur (n.) – a person or thing that is outdated or obsolete
stick-in-the-mud (n.) – a person who is dull and unadventurous
traditionalist (n.) – a person who upholds traditional values or practices
🚫 Antonyms
innovator (n.) – a person who introduces new ideas or methods
progressive (n.) – a person favoring social reform or new ideas
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