crust

crust · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The hard outer layer of bread or a pie.

  2. 2.

    To form or cover with a hard outer layer.

  3. 3.

    The outer layer of the Earth.

  4. 4.

    A hard layer or coating on a surface.

  5. 5.

    (informal) Audacity or nerve.

Forms

plural: crusts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    upper crust — the highest social class
  • •
    earn one's crust — to earn a living
  • •
    pie crust — the outer layer of a pie
  • •
    Earth's crust — the outermost solid layer of the planet

Related words

See also: bread, layer, shell
Synonyms: coating, layer, shell

Etymology

From Latin crusta meaning "rind, crust, shell, bark." Related to Greek kryos meaning "frost."