n. & adj.
--n.
1. the remains or impression of a (usu. prehistoric) plant or animal hardened in rock (often attrib. : fossil bones; fossil shells).
2 colloq. an antiquated or unchanging person or thing.
3 a word that has become obsolete except in set phrases or forms, e.g. hue in hue and cry.
--adj.
1. of or like a fossil.
2 antiquated; out of date.
Phrases and idioms:
fossil fuel a natural fuel such as coal or gas formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms. fossil ivory see IVORY.
Derivatives:
fossiliferous adj. fossilize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). fossilization n.
Etymology: F fossile f. L fossilis f. fodere foss- dig