Definition

Not containing fossils or not related to fossils.

Example

The geological layer was found to be unfossiliferous, indicating it had not preserved any ancient life forms.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a rock that is completely unfossiliferous?

No, I haven't! What does that even mean?

It means the rock doesn't contain any fossils at all.

That sounds interesting! I guess those rocks can tell a different story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfossiliferous → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "fossilis" (from Latin, meaning dug up or obtained from the earth), and "ferre" (meaning to bear or carry). The word describes something that does not bear or contain fossils.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') containing anything 'dug up' ('fossilis') from the earth — that's why unfossiliferous means lacking fossils.

Visually Confused Words