synclinal

[ sin-klahyn-l, sing-, sing-kli-nl ]

adjective

1. sloping downward from opposite directions so as to meet in a common point or line.
2. Geology.
   1. inclining upward on both sides from a median line or axis, as a downward fold of rock strata.
   2. pertaining to such a fold.

Other Words From

• syn·clinal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of synclinal¹

1825–35; syn- + Greek klī́n ( ein ) to lean ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Many such synclinal mountains or plateaus, separated by narrower anticlinal valleys, occur throughout the Appalachians.

From Project Gutenberg

The high synclinal coal-field forms the most important feature of the north of the county.

From Project Gutenberg

Take, for example, one of the synclinal folds in the Appalachian chain.

From Project Gutenberg

If an anticlinal arch be a weak structure, a synclinal arrangement of strata is quite the opposite.

From Project Gutenberg

Synclinal strata therefore endure, while anticlinal strata are worn more readily away.

From Project Gutenberg