lithify

verb

lith·​i·​fy ˈli-thə-ˌfī How to pronounce lithify (audio)
lithified; lithifying

transitive verb

: to change to stone : petrify
especially : to convert (unconsolidated sediment) into solid rock

intransitive verb

: to become changed into stone

Word History

Etymology

lith(ification) + -ify

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of lithify was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near lithify

Cite this Entry

“Lithify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lithify. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!