from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fossil \Fos"sil\, a. [L. fossilis, fr. fodere to dig: cf. F.
fossile. See {Fosse}.]
1. Dug out of the earth; as, fossil coal; fossil salt.
[1913 Webster]
2. preserved from a previous geological age; as, fossil water
from deep wells; -- usually implying that the object so
described has had its substance modified by long residence
in the ground, but also used (as with fossil water) in
cases where chemical composition is not altered.
[PJC]
3. (Paleon.) Like or pertaining to fossils; contained in
rocks, whether petrified or not; as, fossil plants,
shells.
[1913 Webster]
{Fossil copal}, a resinous substance, first found in the blue
clay at Highgate, near London, and apparently a vegetable
resin, partly changed by remaining in the earth.
{Fossil cork}, {Fossil flax}, {Fossil paper}, or {Fossil
wood}, varieties of amianthus.
{Fossil farina}, a soft carbonate of lime.
{Fossil ore}, fossiliferous red hematite. --Raymond.
[1913 Webster]