Final answer:
Lithification is a true term referring to the conversion of loose sediment into sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, lithification is indeed the general term for the processes that convert loose sediment into sedimentary rock. The lithification process involves two key steps: compaction and cementation. Compaction occurs when the sediments are buried under more layers, reducing the porosity by squeezing the grains closer together, much like compacting garbage in a trash can.
Cementation occurs when minerals precipitate out from the water being squeezed out during compaction and act like a glue to bind the sediment grains together. Common cementing minerals include calcite, quartz, and pyrite. These processes, including the accumulation of organic matter that gets buried and lithified, contribute to the formation of various types of sedimentary rocks such as clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks.