fossilization
noun [ U ] (UK usually fossilisation) uk/ˌfɒs.ɪ.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ us/ˌfɑː.səl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
变成化石;石化
the process of becoming a fossil (= something preserved in rock for a very long period)
In the fossilization process, minerals replace the constituents of bones, turning them to stone. 在石化过程中，矿物质取代了骨骸成分，将其变成化石。
A fallen and buried tree becomes a candidate for fossilization when all conditions are right. 一根埋在土里的落木在条件完全合适的情况下就有可能石化。
守旧不改，僵化
a failure to change even after becoming old-fashioned
Fossilization has set in to our prison system and new initiatives are stifled. 僵化守旧的作风已经进入我们的监狱系统，新的举措被纷纷扼杀。
the fossilization of his outlook 他观点的僵化守旧
language specialized错误的石化（学习中不断重复的错误变得难以改正的现象）
the process of an error (= mistake) becoming a habit so that a student often makes it and finds it difficult to change
Perhaps fossilization of errors is inevitable in second language acquisition. 也许在第二语言习得中，错误的石化是不可避免的。
- More examples
- Skin and soft tissues rot down quickly before fossilization takes place.
- The process of decay was overtaken by that of fossilization.
- Intact fossilization of any species is uncommon because the bodies of dead animals are often destroyed by natural processes.
- She accused him of suffering from "brain fossilization".
See: fossilize