bedrock
UK /ˈbɛd.ɹɒk/ · US /ˈbɛdˌɹɑk/ noun, verb
Forms bedrocks bedrocking bedrocked
- noun (countable, uncountable, geology, mining, engineering, construction) The solid rock found at some depth below the ground surface.
- noun (figurative) A basis or foundation. “If culture is the bedrock of a society, then language is the cornerstone of culture.”
- noun (Internet slang, self-harm) The bones.
- verb (transitive, figurative) To establish on a solid foundation.
Synonyms
Etymology
From bed (“a layer on top of which something else rests.”) + rock.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “bedrock”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details