silicified
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈsɪlɪsɪfaɪd/
KK: /sɪlɪsɪfaɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has been combined with or filled with silicon, often resulting in a hard, stone-like substance.
Example
The silicified wood was found in the ancient forest, now turned to stone.
Conversation
Have you seen that rock collection at the museum?
Yeah, I noticed some of them looked really interesting.
I heard some of them are silicified fossils.
That makes sense! They do have a unique texture.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
petrified
hardened
mineralized
Antonyms
soft
unhardened
flexible
verb
Definition
To convert into silica or a siliceous substance.
Example
The fossils were silicified over millions of years, preserving their details.
Tense Forms
Past: silicified
Past Participle: silicified
Conversation
Did you know that some fossils have actually silicified over time?
Really? I didn't know that could happen!
Yeah, it’s fascinating how minerals replace organic material.
Root Explanation
Silicified is formed from "silica" (from Latin "silica", meaning flint or hard stone) and the suffix "-fied" (meaning made or caused to be). The word describes something that has been made into or contains silica, often referring to the process of turning organic material into a stony or hardened form through the presence of silica.
Memory Tip
Think of 'silica' as the hard stone that makes something 'hardened' or 'made' ('-fied') into a stony form. This helps you remember that 'silicified' means made into a stony substance.
Visually Confused Words
unsilicified
simplified