Pet`ri*fac"tion (?), n. [See Petrify.]
1.
The process of petrifying, or changing into stone; conversion of any organic matter (animal or vegetable) into stone, or a substance of stony hardness.
2.
The state or condition of being petrified.
3.
That which is petrified; popularly, a body incrusted with stony matter; an incrustation.
4.
Fig.: Hardness; callousness; obduracy.
"
Petrifaction of the soul."
Cudworth.
© Webster 1913.