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 analysts and investors warn that over time, war can suppress economic growth while spurring inflation, a combination that leads to prolonged declines in both stocks and bonds, bedrock investments for millions of American savers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Much like Buffett’s letters did, he gave his take on each part of Berkshire’s operations that form its bedrock—the insurance businesses, its operating companies, stock portfolio, dealmaking and other capital-allocation options.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under such conditions, solid iron oxides in bedrock can dissolve more readily, releasing iron into the water.

From Science Daily

The study found that the key factor was the flat bedrock beneath the glacier.

From Science Daily

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority said that the fund still had sizable surplus and foreign currency reserves, and "serves as a solid bedrock for the Linked Exchange Rate System and financial stability of Hong Kong".

From Barron's