silicify
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /sɪˈlɪsɪfaɪ/
KK: /sɪlɪsɪfaɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To change into a form that contains silica or to be filled with silica.
Example
Over time, the organic material began to silicify, turning into a rock-like substance.
Tense Forms
Past: silicified
Past Participle: silicified
Conversation
Have you ever seen how rocks can silicify over time?
Yeah, it's fascinating how nature works like that!
I read that it happens in certain environments with high silica content.
That makes sense! It’s amazing to think about how much change can happen.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
dissolve
liquefy
melt
transitive verb
Definition
To change something into a form that contains silica or to fill it with silica.
Example
The process of silicifying the rock made it much harder and more durable.
Tense Forms
Past: silicified
Past Participle: silicified
Conversation
Did you know they can silicify certain types of rocks to make them stronger?
Really? I had no idea that was possible!
Yeah, it’s fascinating how they convert them with silica.
Root Explanation
Silicify → It is formed from "silica" (from Latin *silica*, meaning flint or stone) and "-fy" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "silicify" means to make something into silica or to convert into a stony substance.
Memory Tip
Think of 'silica' as the material that is being 'made' or 'turned into' a stony form with '-fy'. This helps you remember that silicify means to convert something into silica.
Visually Confused Words
desilicify