declivity

[ dih-kliv-i-tee ]

noun

, plural de·cliv·i·ties.

1. a downward slope, as of ground ( acclivity ).

declivity

/ dɪˈklɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. See acclivity
   a downward slope, esp of the ground Compare acclivity

Derived Forms

• deˈclivitous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of declivity¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dēclīvitās “a slope, hill,” equivalent to dēclīvi(s) “sloping downward” ( dē- prefix indicating downward motion + clīv(us) “slope, hill” + -is adjective suffix) + -tās noun suffix; de-, -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of declivity¹

C17: from Latin dēclīvitās, from de- + clīvus a slope, hill

Example Sentences

It features a sequence of choppy waves and declivities fueled by strong diurnal tides rather than the hole in the sea—“the navel of the ocean”—implied by the popular legends.

From Nautilus

The rapid vehicle once more passed over the draw-bridge and wheeled down the declivity through the town.

From Project Gutenberg

St. Ildefonso's gilded pinnacles next presented themselves on the declivity of a beautiful hill.

From Project Gutenberg

The tides, as we have noted, tend to drag the particles down the slope, while the waves operate to roll them up the declivity.

From Project Gutenberg

Gradually at first, and slowly, the little heap slides down the steep declivity.

From Project Gutenberg

Coronado spurred his horse down the rough, disjointed, slippery declivity, and the others followed.

From Project Gutenberg