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outcrop

[n. out-krop; v. out-krop]

Origin

noun

Geology.

a cropping out, as of a stratum or vein at the surface of the earth.

the exposed portion of such a stratum or vein.

something that emerges suddenly or violently in the manner of an outcrop; outbreak: an outcrop of student demonstrations.

verb (used without object)

to crop out, as strata.

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Outcrop is always a great word to know.

So is erosion. Does it mean:

process where the surface of the earth is worn away by the action of water, glaciers, winds, waves

slow movement of water through the pores in soil or permeable rock

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Origin:
1760–70; noun use of verb phrase crop out

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To outcrop

Collins

World English Dictionary

outcrop

—n
1.	part of a rock formation or mineral vein that appears at the surface of the earth
2.	an emergence; appearance

—vb , -crops, -cropping, -cropped
3.	(of rock strata, mineral veins, etc) to protrude through the surface of the earth
4.	another word for crop out

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

outcrop

1805, in geology, "exposure of rocks at the surface," from out + crop (q.v.) in its sense of "sprout, head."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage

Science Dictionary

outcrop

(out'krŏp') Pronunciation Key
An area of visible bedrock that is not covered with soil.