outcrop

[ noun out-krop; verb 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)

, out·cropped, out·crop·ping.

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

/ out′krŏp′ /

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

An accompanying conservation plan would convey the 30-acre rocky outcrop that hosts the Quercus palmeri , or Palmer’s oak, to a Native tribe.

From Los Angeles Times

Fawziyah plunged from a rocky outcrop on Arthur's Seat during a trip to Edinburgh with her husband.

From BBC

Highlighting the dance were scenes of Blackthorne and Mariko conversing atop a rocky outcrop and later in a softly lit natural pool before eventually sharing a bed.

From Los Angeles Times

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Mara running toward a rocky outcrop, and Smithy to another one next to her.

From Literature

I readied myself into a crouch and peeked around the outcrop at the limp camel.

From Literature

Related Words

• offshoot