outcrop

[out-krop, out-krop]

noun

1. Geology.

   1. a cropping out, as of a stratum or vein at the surface of the earth.

   2. the exposed portion of such a stratum or vein.

2. something that emerges suddenly or violently in the manner of an outcrop; outbreak.

   an outcrop of student demonstrations.

verb (used without object)

outcropped, outcropping 

1. to crop out, as strata.

outcrop

noun

1. part of a rock formation or mineral vein that appears at the surface of the earth

2. an emergence; appearance

verb

1. (of rock strata, mineral veins, etc) to protrude through the surface of the earth

2. another word for crop out

outcrop

1. An area of visible bedrock that is not covered with soil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of outcrop¹

First recorded in 1760–70; noun use of verb phrase crop out

Example Sentences

This is the latest in a string of encounters between the two countries' militaries in the region, where China's vast claims over islands and outcrops overlap with those of its neighbours.

Read more on BBC

Maps are a sensitive topic for China and its rivals for reefs, islands and outcrops in the South China Sea.

Read more on BBC

On a rocky outcropping she called the Peak, Goodall made her first important observation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is the latest in a string of dangerous encounters over the last two years as Beijing and Manila seek to enforce their claims on disputed reefs and outcrops in the South China Sea.

Read more on BBC

Taiwanese soldiers manning Dadan Island, a rocky outcrop mere kilometres from China's coast, begin vanishing mysteriously.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• offshoot