syncline

American  

[sing-klahyn, sin-] / ˈsɪŋ klaɪn, ˈsɪn- /

noun

Geology.

1. a synclinal fold.

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syncline British  

/ ˈsɪŋklaɪn /

noun

1. a downward fold of stratified rock in which the strata slope towards a vertical axis Compare anticline

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syncline Scientific  

/ sĭn′klīn′ /

1. A fold of rock layers that slope upward on both sides of a common low point. Synclines form when rocks are compressed by plate-tectonic forces. They can be as small as the side of a cliff or as large as an entire valley.

2. Compare anticline

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Other Word Forms

• synclinal adjective

Etymology

Origin of syncline

First recorded in 1870–75; back formation from synclinal

Compare meaning

How does syncline compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anticline vs. syncline

Example Sentences

A synform has the shape of a syncline but like an antiform, does not have distinguishable age zones.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

An upward fold is called an anticline, while a downward fold is called a syncline.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

An anticline or syncline is described as symmetrical if the angles between each of limb and the axial plane are generally similar, and asymmetrical if they are not.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

If we know that the folded beds have not been overturned, then we can use the more specific terms: anticline and syncline.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Here is the outcrop of a syncline reef.

From Rimrock Trail by Dunn, J. Allan, (Joseph Allan)