Crust

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/krʌst/ (English)

Definitions

• The tough outer layer of something, especially the hardened outer surface of bread.
• A hardened layer, coating, or deposit on the surface of something.
• The outermost layer of the Earth or another planetary body.

Usage Examples

• "She cut the crust off the sandwich for her child."
• "A thin crust of ice had formed over the lake."
• "The Earth's crust consists of several tectonic plates."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English cruste, from Old French cruste, from Latin crusta meaning 'hard surface' or 'shell'.

Synonyms

• Shell, rind, coating, layer, covering

Antonyms

• Core, interior, softness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, pronounced as /krʌst/, while in American English it remains similar but with slight variations in stress and vowel articulation.

Historical Usage

The word "crust" has been used since the 14th century to describe the outer layer of baked goods, later expanding to geological and metaphorical meanings.

Cultural Nuances

The term "crust" is commonly associated with bread, often symbolizing simplicity or hardship, as in the phrase "a crust of bread" referring to a meager meal.

More Information

Crust is a fundamental concept in multiple disciplines, from baking to geology. In pizza making, "thin crust" and "thick crust" varieties are popular, while in science, the Earth's crust plays a crucial role in plate tectonics.