fossil
/ˈfɒsl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɑːsl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfä-səl/ (ame, mw)
fossil — noun
- fossilsingular
- fossilsplural
1. the hardened shape or mark of an ancient living thing that died long ago and bec
the hardened shape or mark of an ancient living thing that died long ago and became trapped inside stone over millions of years
The museum displayed a dinosaur fossil that was over 150 million years old.
collocation: dinosaur fossil
João found a small fossil of an ancient sea creature while hiking.
Scientists study fossil remains to learn what life was like long ago.
This fossil shows how a leaf looked over 300 million years ago.
Hana carefully brushed the dirt from the fossil she had uncovered.
- remains
broader term — can refer to any leftover part, not just rock-preserved ones
- impression
specifically a fossil that is a flat mark or imprint rather than a three-dimensional shape
文法句型
fossil of + noun
用法筆記
Fossils form when minerals in water slowly replace the organic material of a dead organism, turning it into stone over millions of years.
常見錯誤
2. an insulting word for someone, usually older, who sticks to outdated opinions an
an insulting word for someone, usually older, who sticks to outdated opinions and strongly dislikes change or fresh approaches
Grandpa is a bit of a fossil when it comes to using modern technology.
informal: 'a bit of a fossil'
Quinn called his boss an old fossil for refusing to allow remote work.
The office laughed at Sirin for being a fossil who still uses a flip phone.
Lisa's classmates teased her dad for acting like a fossil at the school party.
文法句型
old fossil
用法筆記
This sense is highly informal and can be offensive. It is often used humorously within a group but should be avoided in polite or formal conversation.
fossil — adjective
- fossilpositive
- more fossilcomparative
- most fossilsuperlative
1. describing fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas that were formed underground
describing fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas that were formed underground from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years
Many countries are trying to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
common compound: fossil fuels
William argued that fossil energy sources will not last for ever.
The government plans to stop using fossil fuels for electricity by 2030.
Investing in fossil fuel companies is becoming less popular among young people.
- renewable
describes energy sources like solar or wind that can be used again and again
文法句型
fossil + noun (fuel, energy, sources, industry)
用法筆記
In modern usage, 'fossil' as an adjective almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'fossil fuel' or closely related compounds. Outside that context, the adjective is rare.
2. relating to or being a plant, animal, or object preserved in rock from a very ea
relating to or being a plant, animal, or object preserved in rock from a very early period of the earth's history
The cliff contained fossil bones of a giant lizard-like creature.
attributive use: fossil bones
Fossil footprints found in the desert show that many animals once lived there.
Shirin collected fossil shells from the beach where the rocks were very old.
The scientist dated the fossil teeth to around 10,000 years ago using carbon tests.
- prehistoric
broader — refers to any time before written records, not limited to rock-preserved remains
文法句型
fossil + noun (remains, bones, specimens)
用法筆記
This adjective is almost always used before a noun (attributive position), unlike the noun sense which can stand alone.
3. having the appearance, texture, or qualities that remind you of a fossil, especi
having the appearance, texture, or qualities that remind you of a fossil, especially looking very old or stone-like
The old tree trunk had a fossil appearance with its hard, grey surface.
attributive: fossil appearance
Kasia noticed the fossil texture of the stone and guessed its age.
Fossil patterns on the cliff wall were shaped by wind and rain over centuries.
The garden rock had a fossil quality, as if formed deep underground long ago.
- petrified
stronger — means actually turned to stone, not just resembling stone
文法句型
fossil + noun (appearance, texture, form)
用法筆記
This sense is uncommon in everyday speech. It appears mostly in descriptive writing about rocks, landscapes, or very old objects.