monocline

[ mon-uh-klahyn ]

noun

, Geology.

1. a monoclinal structure or fold.

monocline

/ ˈmɒnəʊˌklaɪn /

noun

1. a local steepening in stratified rocks with an otherwise gentle dip

monocline

/ mŏn′ə-klīn′ /

1. A set of rock layers that all slope downward from the horizontal in the same direction.

Derived Forms

• ˌmonoˈclinally, adverb
• ˌmonoˈclinal, adjectivenoun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monocline¹

First recorded in 1875–80; back formation from monoclinal

Word History and Origins

Origin of monocline¹

C19: from mono- + Greek klīnein to lean

Example Sentences

Its main feature, the Waterpocket Fold, is a wrinkle in the Earth’s crust known as a monocline.

From Washington Post

Such bends are called monoclines, monoclinal folds or flexures, because they present only one fold, or one half of a fold, instead of the two which we see in an arch or trough.

From Project Gutenberg

About three or four miles west of this junction the river enters the east slope of the east Kaibab monocline, and here the Grand Cañon begins.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole country hereabouts is composed of monoclines, all the crests presenting one long, gentle slope, with rocks dipping with the slope, and one abrupt short slope, cutting the strata.

From Project Gutenberg

The roads, for the most part, follow along the edge of these monoclines, making them unusually long, though easy.

From Project Gutenberg