graben

[ grah-buhn ]

noun

1. a portion of the earth's crust, bounded on at least two sides by faults, that has dropped downward in relation to adjacent portions.

graben

/ ˈɡrɑːbən /

noun

1. an elongated trough of land produced by subsidence of the earth's crust between two faults

graben

/ grä′bən /

1. A usually elongated block of rock that is bounded by parallel geologic faults along its two longest sides, and has a lower elevation than the rock at its sides. Grabens form where rock is being pulled apart by tectonic forces. The East African Rift Valley is a graben.

Word History and Origins

Origin of graben¹

1895–1900; < German: ditch

Word History and Origins

Origin of graben¹

C19: from German, from Old High German graban to dig

Example Sentences

Trotsky, Stalin, and Hitler were all in Vienna in 1913, so maybe they did pass within 10 feet of each other walking down Graben.

From The Daily Beast

"That old tree with the iron hoop around it, at the corner of the Graben," replied her companion.

From Project Gutenberg

But on their left the progress of the 3rd Division had been delayed by a formidable trench system known as the Fabeck Graben.

From Project Gutenberg

The dusk of the evening saw Milor in the dress of a porter, pacing the Graben with a steady step.

From Project Gutenberg

Lately up have I them graben, and likewise his tutelar Sphynx have found, and have even to give signs of animation compelled.'

From Project Gutenberg

Stafforth escorted Wilhelmine to his coach, which waited to convey her to the house in the Graben.

From Project Gutenberg