outcrop

American  

[out-krop, out-krop] / ˈaʊtˌkrɒp, ˌaʊtˈkrɒp /

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.

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verb (used without object)

outcropped, outcropping

1. to crop out, as strata.

outcrop British  

noun

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

2. an emergence; appearance

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verb

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

2. another word for crop out

outcrop Scientific  

/ out′krŏp′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of outcrop

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

Example Sentences

Pater Lumley strode to a large rock outcropping not far from the bank.

From Literature

The Cahuilla people believe they originated among the red walls and leaning stone outcroppings of the Painted Canyon, and burial grounds throughout the site attest to its sacred place in their culture.

From Los Angeles Times

Roz stood on a rocky outcrop and scanned the desolate landscape.

From Literature

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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offshoot