declivity

[ dih-kliv-i-tee ]

/ dɪˈklɪv ɪ ti /

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See synonyms for declivity on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural de·cliv·i·ties.

a downward slope, as of ground (opposed to acclivity).

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Origin of declivity

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dēclīvitās “a slope, hill,” equivalent to dēclīvi(s) “sloping downward” (dē- prefix indicating downward motion + clīv(us) “slope, hill” + -is adjective suffix) + -tās noun suffix; see de-, -ty²

Words nearby declivity

declinature, decline, declinometer, declive, declivitous, declivity, declivous, Declomycin, declutch, declutter, deco

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use declivity in a sentence

It features a sequence of choppy waves and declivities fueled by strong diurnal tides rather than the hole in the sea—“the navel of the ocean”—implied by the popular legends.
The Power of the Waves - Issue 108: Change|Richard Hamblyn|December 1, 2021|Nautilus
The rapid vehicle once more passed over the draw-bridge and wheeled down the declivity through the town.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
St. Ildefonso's gilded pinnacles next presented themselves on the declivity of a beautiful hill.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
The tides, as we have noted, tend to drag the particles down the slope, while the waves operate to roll them up the declivity.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler

Gradually at first, and slowly, the little heap slides down the steep declivity.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Coronado spurred his horse down the rough, disjointed, slippery declivity, and the others followed.
Overland|John William De Forest

British Dictionary definitions for declivity

declivity

/ (dɪˈklɪvɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

a downward slope, esp of the groundCompare acclivity

Derived forms of declivity

declivitous, adjective

Word Origin for declivity

C17: from Latin dēclīvitās, from de- + clīvus a slope, hill

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

declivity

Origin of declivity

Words nearby declivity

Words related to declivity

How to use declivity in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for declivity

Derived forms of declivity

Word Origin for declivity