bedrock

American  

[bed-rok] / ˈbɛdˌrɒk /

noun

1. Geology. unbroken solid rock, overlaid in most places by soil or rock fragments.

2. bottom layer; lowest stratum.

3. any firm foundation or basis.

   Technical courses will be founded on a bedrock of sound, general education so as to produce a well-rounded engineer.

4. the fundamental principles, as of a teaching, belief, or science.

   Let's strip away the cant and get down to bedrock.

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adjective

1. basic; fundamental.

bedrock British  

/ ˈbɛdˌrɒk /

noun

1. the solid unweathered rock that lies beneath the loose surface deposits of soil, alluvium, etc

2. basic principles or facts (esp in the phrase get down to bedrock )

3. the lowest point, level, or layer

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bedrock Scientific  

/ bĕd′rŏk′ /

1. The solid rock that lies beneath the soil and other loose material on the Earth's surface.

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Etymology

Origin of bedrock

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; bed + rock ¹

Example Sentences

But China, like other developing countries, has said it wants this rule to "remain the bedrock of the WTO".

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Whether it’s Eddie, a friend McCarthy met in high school who resides in Alto, Texas, or Larry, a buddy in Austin, honesty and confession form the bedrock of true male intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

These are impressive stats in bedrock categories essential for Augusta success.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

One came from the top of a ridge, another from bedrock inside a hollow, and a third from an area Curiosity passed through before reaching the ridges.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

The other side of the cave looked out over a waterfall cutting through the forest, with the rushing and crashing of the water tumbling over the bedrock.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee