Which term defines the process of turning into wood or causing to be stiff or stone-like?

The term that defines the process of turning into wood or causing to be stiff or stone-like is "petrify." Petrification often refers specifically to the process in which organic material, such as wood, is transformed into a stony substance through the replacement of its organic components with minerals, usually over a long period of time. This process preserves the original structure and features of the wood while changing its composition to that of a rock-like material.

In the context of fossils, petrification can result in the creation of fossils that maintain the details of the original organism. This transformation occurs through a combination of mineral-rich water and the compression of sediment over time. This makes "petrify" the most accurate term in this context since it captures the essence of a material changing to almost stone-like hardness and appearance.

Other terms may relate to processes of preservation or alteration but do not specifically convey the same transformation into a stone-like structure. For example, "embalm" refers to preserving deceased organisms, usually for burial, but does not imply a stone-like state. "Solidify" generally describes the process of a substance becoming solid, which is broader and less specific than petrification. "Mineralize" does involve the incorporation of minerals, but it