a range of hills in England, county of Somerset, extending through the centre of the county from W. by N. to E. by S., having a length of about 25 miles, with an average breadth of 4 or 5, and rising in some places to the height of 1000 feet. The central ridge of these hills consists of old red sandstone, on the sloping sides of which strata of mountain limestone recline at various angles. These strata in several places entirely cover the sandstone, which is prominent in the most elevated parts of the range, forming four distinct ridges nearly equidistant from one another. The most remarkable features in the Mendip Hills are, a cavern called Woolsey Hole, and the Cheddar Cliffs, a long range of perpendicular crags overhanging a defile in the hills. The mineral productions are of considerable importance, consisting of lead, zinc, calamine, and coal. Part of the ground is cultivated, but the greater portion is used as pastureage for sheep.