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

The skeletons are buried in shallow graves cut into the limestone bedrock.

From BBC

What is the bedrock value underneath market price?

From Barron's

“It is packed by cyclicals, commodity plays and financials, with a bedrock of yield support from utilities and consumer staples underneath.”

From Barron's

The slope is steep and underlain by weak, heavily fractured bedrock, making it prone to failure.

From Science Daily

Then we see Alma’s hands and wedding ring — the bedrock of her life — as she replies, “You can do whatever you like, Maggie.”

From Los Angeles Times