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

They emerge from within a rocky outcropping in an otherwise grassy field and hold up their hands, as if in benediction.

From Los Angeles Times

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

There has been a string of dangerous encounters in recent months as the two sides sought to enforce their claims on disputed reefs and outcrops, including the Second Thomas Shoal and the Scarborough Shoal.

From BBC

Nationalist sentiment is also growing in the Philippines, as its dispute with China over reefs and outcrops in the South China Sea continue to fester.

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

Related Words

• offshoot