hanging wall

noun

1. Mining. the underside of the wall rock overlying a vein or bed of ore. Compare footwall ( def 1 ).
2. Geology. a mass of rock overhanging a fault plane.

hanging wall

noun

1. the rocks on the upper side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein Compare footwall

hanging wall

1. The block of rock lying above an inclined geologic fault plane.
2. See more at faultCompare footwall

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanging wall¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Eizen has a folder for each family member that she keeps in hanging wall pockets.

From Seattle Times

“You can find a lot of really affordable, amazing hanging wall planters to pot herbs in,” she says.

From Seattle Times

When it comes to hanging wall art– such as posters or paintings– the decision is completely up to you and your design taste.

From Forbes

We blessed the wind, which made such a noise rattling the shutters and streamers of hanging wall paper that the boy remained absolutely unconscious of our presence.

From Project Gutenberg

A combination of a shallow dipping fault and a compliant hanging wall may have enabled large shallow slip near the trench.

From Science Magazine