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Glite Dictionary
ossiferous

ossiferous

1 9.9
Containing old bones in rock or soil
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑːsɪˈfɛrəs/
  • Specialized
: ossífero
  • The paleontologists were excited to discover an ossiferous layer of rock in the canyon.

Examples

  • This ossiferous deposit is believed to have formed during the early Pleistocene epoch.

  • The ossiferous layer revealed many ancient fossils.

  • Several ossiferous caves in the region have yielded ancient animal fossils.

  • We discovered ossiferous deposits in the canyon.

  • The ossiferous layer of the cliff revealed ancient fossilized bones.

  • Geologists studied the ossiferous soil to learn more about prehistoric life.

  • They discovered ossiferous rock formations during the excavation for the new building.

Synonyms

bony
vsossiferous
16 3.0

Made from the hard parts inside animals or humans, like a skeleton

is used for geological deposits with bones rather than body parts
fossiliferous
vsossiferous
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Rock or soil that has fossils

refers specifically to materials containing bones especially fossilized bones
osseous
vsossiferous
  • Specialized
1 9.4

Relating to bone or made of bone

applies to rocks or soils that contain bones not living tissue

Surface Forms

ossiferous positive

Morphology

ossiferous = ossi + ferous

The meaning 'bone-bearing' is built from learned classical elements, so most B1 learners would not infer it from the form alone.

Etymology

Ossiferous comes from Latin parts oss- meaning 'bone', as in ossify, and -ferous meaning 'bearing' or 'carrying'. So, ossiferous literally means 'bearing bones' and is used for rock or soil that contains bones.