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

Explanation

An outcrop is an area of land where the underlying rocks are exposed. You can see many rocky outcrops throughout Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The term outcrop and the alternative outcropping come from the "head or sprout" meaning of crop, from the idea of seeing the "head" of the rock below. Most of the earth's land surface is covered with soil and plants, but in areas where erosion has worn these away, you can see outcrops of the bedrock beneath. These outcrops can be low, flat sheets of rock, or taller rocky expanses along the edges of mountain ridges.

Example Sentences

"That was just an incredible moment," said Beth Orcutt, who led the research project to the Pacific Ocean’s Dorado Outcrop site in June with Jorge Cortes of the University of Costa Rica.

From National Geographic • Jul. 7, 2023

The Dorado Outcrop is home to more than 100 octopus mothers, a scattering of male would-be suitors and shrimp and eels on the lookout for a chance to snatch an egg or newborn octopus.

From Scientific American • Jul. 3, 2023

Outcrop exposure of gneiss from Milan Ridge in the Miller Range, with lens-shaped felsic zones bordered by mafic selvedges, indicative of local melting.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2011

It was, according to one of its many sub-headings, "A Humorous Outcrop concerning two Maids and a Man."

From The Furnace of Gold by Marchand, J. N.

Related Words

• offshoot