Downthrown

/ˈdaʊnˌθroʊn/ adjective

Definition

Displaced or moved downward along a fault; having experienced downward movement due to geological forces.

Etymology

Past participle of 'downthrow,' used as an adjective in geological terminology to describe rock formations that have been displaced downward.

Kelly Says

The 'downthrown block' in a fault tells you which way the earth was being pulled—it's like a giant stone fingerprint showing the direction of tectonic stress.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.