hardpan

noun
hard·​pan | \ ˈhärd-ˌpan How to pronounce hardpan (audio) \

Definition of hardpan

1 : a cemented or compacted and often clayey layer in soil that is impenetrable by roots
2 : a fundamental part : bedrock

Examples of hardpan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This hardpan is called caleche, and is equivalent to a 2-inch thick layer of concrete. Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Thinking of becoming a gardener? Here’s a primer for southern Idaho," 31 Jan. 2018 But the wind was gusting to 30 mph, and the sun baked out greens that became like Texas hardpan. Doug Ferguson, Orange County Register, "Big wind and wild outcomes at Match Play," 23 Mar. 2017 Root constriction caused by hardpan or compacted soil, sunburn, borer insects, soil nematodes, root rot, powdery mildew and spider mites might also be affecting the tree. Debbie Arrington, sacbee.com, "Why won’t Fuji apple tree bear fruit?," 25 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hardpan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hardpan

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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