hardbed

Hardbed refers to a type of soil or sediment that has undergone significant compaction or cementation, making it dense and difficult to penetrate. This can occur naturally over geological timescales through the pressure of overlying materials or through the precipitation of minerals that bind the soil particles together. In some contexts, "hardbed" may also be used to describe a very firm sleeping surface, often a mattress or bed frame lacking significant cushioning. This usage implies a lack of softness and a firm support. The term's meaning is context-dependent, differentiating between geological and domestic applications.