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

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Explanation

Bedrock is the hard layer of rock beneath looser rocks and soil. In some places, the bedrock is exposed, while in others it lies deep underground. A geologist who's interested in studying the bedrock in different areas might have to dig through the various layers of soil to reach that bedrock. You can also use the word in a figurative way, to mean "the heart of the matter," or "the basic, fundamental principles." For example, you might say that fairness and freedom is the bedrock of a good government. The word combines bed — here meaning "plot of land" — and rock.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bedrock

Another technique involves driving across slopes in ways that help keep the wheels securely positioned on exposed bedrock.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Blasted into 1.9 billion-year-old stable bedrock in Eurajoki in southwestern Finland, the geological repository will house spent nuclear fuel in holes drilled into the bedrock, where it will remain harmfully radioactive for thousands of years.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

There were multiple factors involved in that event, which was triggered when a large area of bedrock and glacier ice collapsed.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

“Our business can present very stressful situations and it’s really nice to have a bedrock of a relationship that will stand the test of time,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026

"You take us for bedrock numskulls? Certain as eggs is eggs—you're the prince. The genuine, straight-up-and-down Royal Highness!"

From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman

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