fossil

Everyday

1. A fossil is the remains or shape of a plant or animal from very long ago, kept in rock. tree →
2. Fossil fuels are coal, oil and gas, made from ancient living things. tree →
3. Informally, an old fossil is a joking name for an old-fashioned person. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons fossils show how living things have changed over millions of years and give evidence about dinosaurs; fossils form when remains are buried in mud that turns to rock. Phrases: «fossil fuels», «dinosaur fossil», «fossil hunting».

Examples

• We found a fossil of a shell on the beach. tree →
• Fossils tell us what dinosaurs looked like. tree →
• Mary Anning was a famous fossil hunter. tree →
• Coal and oil are fossil fuels. tree →
• The museum has a fossil of a huge fish. tree →
• Fossils form very slowly over millions of years. tree →
• Footprints can also become fossils. tree →

Note

Countable. Double s. Verb: fossilise/fossilize. Trap: most fossils are not bones themselves but rock that has taken their shape. Burning fossil fuels adds carbon dioxide to the air.