rock

⁴rock

noun

Definition of ROCK

1

: a large mass of stone forming a cliff, promontory, or peak

2

: a concreted mass of stony material; also : broken pieces of such masses

3

: consolidated or unconsolidated solid mineral matter; also : a particular mass of it

4

a : something like a rock in firmness: (1) : foundation, support (2) : refuge <a rock of independent thought … in an ocean of parochialism — Thomas Molnar> b : something that threatens or causes disaster —often used in plural

5

a : a flavored stick candy with color running through b : rock candy 1

6

slang a : gem b : diamond

7

a : a small crystallized mass of crack cocaine b : crack 9

8

: the ball used in basketball

— rock adjective

— rock·like \ˈräk-ˌlīk\ adjective

— between a rock and a hard place also between the rock and the hard place

: in a difficult or uncomfortable position with no attractive way out

— on the rocks

1

: in or into a state of destruction or wreckage <their marriage is on the rocks>

2

: on ice cubes <bourbon on the rocks>

Origin of ROCK

Middle English rokke, from Old French dialect (Norman & Picard) roke, from Vulgar Latin *rocca

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale