First Known Use: 1604
Dictionary
1fossil
adjective fos·sil \ˈfä-səl\
Definition of FOSSIL
1
: preserved from a past geologic age <fossil plants> <fossil water in an underground reservoir>
2
: being or resembling a fossil
3
: of or relating to fossil fuel
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Origin of FOSSIL
Latin fossilis obtained by digging, from fodere to dig — more at bed
2fossil
noun
: something (such as a leaf, skeleton, or footprint) that is from a plant or animal which lived in ancient times and that you can see in some rocks
: a person whose ideas are very old-fashioned or out-of-date
Full Definition of FOSSIL
1
: a remnant, impression, or trace of an organism of past geologic ages that has been preserved in the earth's crust — compare living fossil
2
a : a person whose views are outmoded : fogy b : something (as a theory) that has become rigidly fixed
3
: an old word or word element preserved only by idiom (as fro in to and fro)
See fossil defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FOSSIL
1736
Related to FOSSIL
- Synonyms
- antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fogy, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt
FOSSIL Defined for Kids
fossil
noun fos·sil \ˈfä-səl\
Definition of FOSSIL for Kids
: a trace or print or the remains of a plant or animal of a past age preserved in earth or rock
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