bedrock

[ bed-rok ]
/ ˈbɛdˌrɒk /

noun

Geology. unbroken solid rock, overlaid in most places by soil or rock fragments.
bottom layer; lowest stratum.
any firm foundation or basis: Technical courses will be founded on a bedrock of sound, general education so as to produce a well-rounded engineer.
the fundamental principles, as of a teaching, belief, or science: Let's strip away the cant and get down to bedrock.

adjective

basic; fundamental.

Origin of bedrock

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; bed + rock1

Example sentences from the Web for bedrock

British Dictionary definitions for bedrock

bedrock
/ (ˈbɛdˌrɒk) /

noun

the solid unweathered rock that lies beneath the loose surface deposits of soil, alluvium, etc
basic principles or facts (esp in the phrase get down to bedrock)
the lowest point, level, or layer

Scientific definitions for bedrock

bedrock
[ bĕdrŏk′ ]

The solid rock that lies beneath the soil and other loose material on the Earth's surface.