Standard Lemma guide

pseudofossil

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Any object, marking or impression that resembles a fossil but whose origin is non-biological.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 2005, Sören Jensen, Mary L. Droser, James G. Gehling, Trace fossil preservation and the early evolution of animals, Loren E. Babcock, Interpretation of Biological and Environmental Changes across the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Boundary, Elsevier, page 26, The distinction between a trace fossil and a pseudofossil is far from trivial (see discussion in Ekdale et al., 1984, pp. 29–36).

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek ψεύδω (pseúdō) Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *-ēs Ancient Greek -ης (-ēs) Ancient Greek -ής (-ḗs) Ancient Greek ψευδής (pseudḗs)der. Middle English pseudo- English pseudo- English fossil English pseudofossil From pseudo- + fossil.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Pseudofossil — non-biological object or marking that resembles a fossil
  • Irish: bréagiontaise — non-biological object or marking that resembles a fossil