Crust: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically refers to the hard outer surface of bread or the outermost layer of a planet, such as the Earth's crust. It can also describe the hardened surface layer of other substances.

• The pizza crust was perfectly crispy
• The Earth's crust is made up of several tectonic plates

Refers to the topmost layer of an object, often used in a scientific context to describe layers of materials or organisms.

• The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis
• The fruit's outer layer was tough and difficult to peel

Typically denotes a hard, protective outer layer found in nature, like the shells of eggs, nuts, or sea creatures. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest a protective layer or barrier.

• The snail retreated into its shell
• The chocolate shell melted in my mouth

Used when talking about a layer that completely or partially covers something. This term is very general and can be used in a wide range of contexts.

• She wore a light covering to protect herself from the sun
• The lawn was hidden under a covering of snow

Like the previous one, it refers to the outer layer but can be used in different fields, such as food or geology. Here, it might be repeated to emphasize the same meaning as the first in certain contexts.

• The toast was crispy and golden, just the way he liked the crust.
• After the earthquake, experts examined the crust for any cracks or shifts.

This is a broad term used to describe the outermost layer of the planet where we live and includes land, oceans, and other visible features.

• Climate change is affecting the temperature of the Earth's surface.
• Satellite imagery provides a comprehensive view of the Earth's surface.

This term is more specific and usually used in scientific and geological contexts to refer to the Earth's outermost solid layer.

• Geologists drilled into the crustal layer to collect samples for analysis.
• The differences in composition between the mantle and the crustal layer are significant.

This term is used in geological and scientific contexts to refer to the rigid outer layer of the Earth, encompassing both the crust and the upper mantle.

• The movement of tectonic plates occurs within the lithosphere.
• Studying the lithosphere helps scientists understand earthquake mechanisms.

As a verb, used less commonly, it means to cover something with a hard outer layer.

• After a long day at the beach, sand seemed to crust every part of my body
• The mud crusted over my boots

The process of developing a hard outer layer, can be used in cooking or to describe natural processes.

• Let the dough sit for a while to form a crust before baking
• Over time, the lava will cool and form a crust

The process of cooking food using dry heat, typically in an oven.

• I bake cookies every Sunday
• She decided to bake a cake for his birthday

To become solid or more firm, can apply to materials and abstract concepts like feelings.

• The clay began to harden in the sun
• His heart seemed to harden with each passing year