Pĕt'ri-făc'tion, n.
n. [See PETRIFACTION.] 1. The process of changing into stone; the conversion of any organic matter (animal or vegetable) into stone.
When the water in which wood is lodged is slightly impregnated with petrescent particles, the petrifaction very slowly takes place. Kirwan.
Sense 2. That which is converted from animal or vegetable substance into stone; an organized body rendered hard by depositions of stony matter in its cavities. “The calcareous petrifaction called osteocolla.” Kirwan.
Sense 3. In popular usage, a body incrusted with stony matter; an incrustation.