synclinal

American  

[sin-klahyn-l, sing-, sing-kli-nl] / sɪnˈklaɪn l, sɪŋ-, ˈsɪŋ klɪ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• synclinally adverb

Etymology

Origin of synclinal

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

Example Sentences

Near Cork, the limestone and accompanying shale are better preserved; but the river, instead of continuing along the synclinal through Middleton to Youghal, turns south, and forms the now submerged valley of Cork Harbour.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various

When Sun-spots are at or near their maximum, the Corona has generally been somewhat symmetrical, with synclinal groups of rays making angles of 45° with its general axis.

From The Story of Eclipses by Chambers, George F. (George Frederick)

The present surface of anticlinal sandstone ridges and synclinal limestone hollows thus began to arise; but the main streams still held on their courses across the strike, that is, from north to south.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 4 "Coquelin" to "Costume" by Various

A synclinal fold occupies Strathmore, and between Longforgan and Montrose the northern extension of the Sidlaw Hills is an anticlinal fold.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6 "Foraminifera" to "Fox, Edward" by Various