synclines
|syn-cline|
/ˈsɪnˌklaɪn/
(syncline)
downward fold of rock layers
Etymology
'syncline' originates from Greek elements combined in New Latin/Modern English: the prefix 'syn-' from Greek meaning 'together' and the root from Greek 'klinein' meaning 'to slope or lean', forming the geological term 'syncline'.
The term was coined in the 19th century within geological literature by combining Greek elements ('syn-' + 'cline'); it entered English scientific usage (via publications in German/French and Latinized forms) and became established as 'syncline'.
Initially built from roots meaning 'slope together' or 'bend together', it has specialized to denote specifically a downward/trough-shaped fold in rock strata with younger layers at the core.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a trough-shaped fold in stratified rock in which the layers slope inward toward the axis; typically the youngest strata occur at the center of the fold.
The region is characterized by a series of synclines separated by anticlines.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/21 12:06