outcrop
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈaʊtˌkrɒp/
KK: /aʊtˌkrɑp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To appear or become visible above the ground, especially referring to rock formations.
Example
The ancient rocks began to outcrop along the hiking trail.
Tense Forms
Past: outcropped
Past Participle: outcropped
Conversation
Did you see that rock outcrop on our hike yesterday?
Yeah, it looked really impressive sticking out of the ground!
I wonder how long it’s been there, just outcropping like that.
Probably millions of years — nature is amazing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
emerge
appear
surface
Antonyms
submerge
sink
disappear
noun
Definition
A part of rock or soil that is visible on the surface of the ground.
Example
The hikers stopped to admire the beautiful outcrop of granite along the trail.
Conversation
Did you see that outcrop of rock by the hiking trail?
Yeah, it looked really interesting!
I wonder how long it has been exposed like that.
Root Explanation
Outcrop is formed from "out" (meaning outside or external) and "crop" (from Old English "croppian", meaning to cut or to grow). The word describes a geological formation where rock appears at the surface, as if it has been cut or exposed from the ground.
Memory Tip
Think of rock that is 'outside' ('out') and has 'grown' or 'been cut' ('crop') from the earth's surface.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.