Definition

1. Noun:

   • A visible exposure of bedrock or ancient rock layers at the Earth's surface: An outcrop is a portion of rock that is visible and not covered by soil or vegetation, allowing geologists to study it directly.

2. Verb:

   • To appear or protrude above the surface of the ground: This describes the action of a rock formation becoming visible at the surface.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The geologist examined the limestone outcrop for fossils.
  • Hikers used the large granite outcrop as a landmark.

• Verb:

  • Layers of sandstone outcrop along the canyon walls.
  • In this region, the bedrock outcrops in many places.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in outcrop": Used to describe the state or condition of a rock formation being exposed at the surface.
  • The coal seam is in outcrop near the river, making it easy to study.

Variants and Related Words

• Outcropping (n): A synonym for the noun form 'outcrop', meaning an exposed rock formation.
  • We found an interesting outcropping of quartz.

Synonyms

• Exposure (n): A place where a rock formation is exposed.
• Protrusion (n): Something that sticks out from a surface.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily geological.)

Noun

1. the part of a rock formation that appears above the surface of the surrounding land

Verb

1. appear on the surface, come to the surface on the ground
   • Big boulders outcropped