syncline
|syn-cline|
/ˈsɪn.klaɪn/
downward fold of rock layers
Etymology
'syncline' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'syn-' and 'klinein', where 'syn-' meant 'together' and 'klinein' meant 'to lean.'
'syncline' was formed in scientific/modern usage (New Latin/English) in the 19th century from Greek elements; the term entered geological literature to contrast with 'anticline' and describe folds with inward-dipping beds.
Initially it literally meant 'leaning together' (from the Greek elements), but over time it evolved into the technical geological meaning 'a fold of rock layers with younger strata at the core.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a fold in layered rock in which the strata dip inward from both sides toward a central axis, so that the youngest rock layers are in the core of the fold.
The geologists identified a syncline where younger sandstone layers were exposed in the center of the fold.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 14:42