Definition

The process through which plant material is transformed into coal over a long period, involving compression and hardening.

Example

The coalification of ancient forests took millions of years to create the coal we use today.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the process called coalification?

Yeah, I think it’s how coal is formed over time, right?

Exactly! It’s fascinating how vegetable matter changes into coal.

I know! It really shows how nature transforms things over millions of years.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coalification is formed from "coal" (from Old English *cāle*, meaning a black combustible material) and "-ification" (from Latin *-ificare*, meaning to make or to cause). The term describes the process of transforming organic material into coal.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of 'making coal' — 'coal' refers to the combustible material, and '-ification' means to make or cause something to happen.

Visually Confused Words