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

They cover nearly the whole of the Little Cumbrae, where they give rise to marked terraced features and are arranged in a gentle synclinal fold.

From Project Gutenberg

The coal-field is synclinal in structure, Port Seton being about the centre; it contains ten seams of coal, and the area covered by it is some 30 sq. m.

From Project Gutenberg

Section of anticlinal valleys and synclinal mountains 78 17.

From Project Gutenberg

Where they dip away from the axis of movement the structure is termed an anticline or anticlinal fold; where they dip towards the axis, it is a syncline or synclinal fold.

From Project Gutenberg

North and south of the great anticline of the Weald of Kent and Sussex are two synclinal troughs known as the London and Hampshire basins.

From Project Gutenberg