Word
outcrop
Phoneticsout·crop
UK/ˈaʊtkɹɒp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a part of a rock formation that sticks out from the ground. You can see it because the soil or sand has worn away around it.
n. a portion of a rock formation that is exposed at the surface of the earth. Often used in geological contexts to describe a visible section of bedrock.
Examples
“The hikers climbed over a large outcrop of granite.”
“The geologist examined the sandstone outcrop to determine the age of the surrounding sedimentary layers.”
“While the valley floor is covered in fertile soil, the steep cliffs reveal a massive outcrop of limestone that has resisted erosion for millions of years.”
Examples
simple
“The hikers climbed over a large outcrop of granite.”
contextual
“The geologist examined the sandstone outcrop to determine the age of the surrounding sedimentary layers.”
complex
“While the valley floor is covered in fertile soil, the steep cliffs reveal a massive outcrop of limestone that has resisted erosion for millions of years.”
Real-World Examples
“It eventually approached the point where the fjord meets Nares Strait and collided with a small rocky outcrop called Joe Island (Joe Ø).” “They rely on food sources in the ocean, but nest on rocky outcrops all around the Antarctic continent .” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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