crust

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science

n. the thin, rocky outer layer of the Earth or another planet.

n. the outermost solid shell of a terrestrial planet or natural satellite.

“The Earth's crust is made of many different types of rock.”

“Tectonic plates are massive sections of the Earth's crust that move slowly over the more fluid mantle beneath them.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking

n. the outer layer of a pie made from pastry.

n. the baked pastry shell or covering of a sweet or savoury pie.

“She made a delicious apple pie with a flaky golden crust.”

“The chef brushed the top crust with egg wash to ensure it achieved a rich, glossy finish in the oven.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Informal

n. a way to earn money to live.

n. a means of earning a livelihood; often used in the phrase 'to earn a crust'.

“He has been trying to earn a crust as a freelance writer for years.”

“After the factory closed, many local residents struggled to find new ways to earn a crust in such a remote area.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Informal

n. rude behaviour or a lack of respect.

n. impudence, audacity, or insolence.

“I can't believe he had the crust to ask for more money after being late.”

“The intern had the absolute crust to correct the CEO during the annual general meeting.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to form a hard layer on the surface of something.

v. to cover with or form into a hardened outer layer or coating.

“The salt began to crust on his skin after he swam in the ocean.”

“By the following morning, a thin layer of ice had crusted over the surface of the small garden pond.”