outcrop

1 of 2

noun

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp How to pronounce outcrop (audio)
1
: a coming out of bedrock or of an unconsolidated deposit to the surface of the ground
2
: the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

outcrop

2 of 2

verb

out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp How to pronounce outcrop (audio)
ˌau̇t-ˈkräp
outcropped; outcropping; outcrops

intransitive verb

1
: to project from the surrounding soil
ledges outcropping from the eroded slope
2
: to come to the surface : appear

Examples of outcrop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The mallow survives in otherwise inhospitable soils, found often on gypsum outcrops. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 18 Nov. 2024 Eventually, rescuers used machinery to remove several heavy boulders from the outcrop, allowing rescuers to yank her to freedom. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
The permit area contains two outcropping porphyry targets (Ricardo Herrera and Sortilegio) and one zone with signatures of both porphyry-epithermal and skarn mineralization (Vista Alegre). Sacramento Bee, 2 July 2024 The granite outcropping that so enchanted Brown and Weisgard is called Pole Island. Anna Holmes, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outcrop 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

out entry 1 + crop entry 2, after crop out "to protrude from the ground"

Note: See the note at crop entry 2 regarding geological senses of the verb.

Verb

derivative of outcrop entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outcrop was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near outcrop

Cite this Entry

“Outcrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcrop. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

outcrop

1 of 2 noun
out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp How to pronounce outcrop (audio)
1
: a coming out of bedrock to the surface of the ground
2
: the part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground

outcrop

2 of 2 verb
out·​crop ˈau̇t-ˌkräp How to pronounce outcrop (audio)
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈkräp
outcropped; outcropping
: to come to the surface : appear
granite outcropping through softer rocks

More from Merriam-Webster on outcrop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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