lapidify
/ləˈpɪdɪfʌɪ
/verb (lapidifies, lapidifying, lapidified) [with object] rare
Change (organic matter) into a stony substance; petrify: a gorgon whose visage lapidifies those who confront her directly...
- His blood stayed in him, seeming to lapidify.
- This wood had certainly not been lapidified by the water of the lake.
- The aqueous solution has lapidified the softer materials.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French lapidifier, from medieval Latin lapidificare, from Latin lapid-, lapis 'stone'.