footwall

[ foot-wawl ]

noun

1. Mining. the top of the rock stratum underlying a vein or bed of ore. Compare hanging wall ( def 1 ).
2. Geology. a mass of rock lying beneath a fault plane.

footwall

/ ˈfʊtˌwɔːl /

noun

1. the rocks on the lower side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein Compare hanging wall

footwall

/ ft′wôl′ /

1. The block of rock lying under an inclined geologic fault plane.
2. See more at faultCompare hanging wall

Word History and Origins

Origin of footwall¹

First recorded in 1640–50; foot + wall

Example Sentences

The direction in which the head of the vein comes into the light, or the direction toward which the tail extends, is indicated by its footwall and hangingwall.

From Project Gutenberg

The total area of ore measured on the footwall was 785 acres.

From Project Gutenberg

These twin disadvantages usually warrant a straight incline in the footwall.

From Project Gutenberg

A step—two, then: "Look—there—over by the footwall!"

From Project Gutenberg

The great weight of these joined timbers is sustained by stout beams placed at intervals, which are deeply set into hitches in the footwall and hangingwall, but are inclined.

From Project Gutenberg