Any ancient remains of a plant or animal that lived during a specific geological period and that can be used to date the containing rocks.

(paleontology) A type of fossil reflecting the reworking of sediments and hard substrates by organisms, rather than the physical remains of the organism itself. This includes structures such as burrows, trails, impressions, coprolites and borings.

(evolutionary theory) Any species discovered first as a fossil and believed extinct, but which is later found living; an organism that has remained unchanged over geological periods.

plural of trace fossil

plural of living fossil

plural of fossil record

The collective record of biological development that is reflected in the fossilized remains of organisms through geological history. / The record of preserved evidence for a single species or taxon.

plural of fossil fuel

A fossil containing part of an organism's body, as opposed to a trace fossil.

(derogatory, slang) One who uses fossil fuels without concern for their environmental impact.