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Glite Dictionary
⛰️ Exposed rock ⛰️ To appear
to outcrop

to outcrop

7.5
To come out of the ground so rock can be seen
  • verb
  • /ˈaʊtˌkrɒp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aflorar
  • The same rock units that outcrop in Central Queensland form the reservoirs for oil and gas fields 1,000 km away in South Australia.

Examples

  • This form is common in the Port Campbell Limestone, which outcrops from the majestic cliffs along the western Victorian coast.

    Academic text (1992)

  • The water source for the center is a spring that outcrops on the hill above the center.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The riverbank reveals a section where the rock outcrops dramatically, showcasing its layers.

  • During our hike, we noticed how the cliff outcropped, providing a perfect view of the valley below.

  • Geologists studied the area where the limestone outcropped to better understand the region's geological history.

Synonyms

to surface
vsto outcrop
143 3.9

To rise to the top and become visible after being hidden

applies specifically to rock or material showing at the earth's top layer
to crop out
vsto outcrop
  • Specialized
8.4

To appear at the ground surface as a rock or mineral

is the general term for that geological exposure

Antonyms

burying
1 2.8

Putting something into the ground and covering it with dirt

Compounds

rock outcrop
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A piece of hard rock that sticks out above the ground

How Visible

to emerge
249 3.5
to outcrop
  • Specialized
7.5
to appear
873 1.0
to protrude
31 5.8

Surface Forms

outcrop infinitive
outcropped past
outcropped past participle
outcropping present participle
outcrops third person singular

Morphology

outcrop = crop (semi-transparent) = out + crop

The verb is analyzable as 'out' + 'crop' (to come out/appear), but relies on a less common sense of 'crop' so learners may not fully infer the meaning. [Postprocessing: moved 'out' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Outcrop as a verb comes from the idea of something 'cropping out' or 'coming out' of the earth, so to outcrop is for rock or layers to 'become visible' at the ground surface.