syncline

American  

[sing-klahyn, sin-] / ˈsɪŋ klaɪn, ˈsɪn- /

noun

Geology.

1. a synclinal fold.

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syncline British  

/ ˈsɪŋklaɪn /

noun

1. a downward fold of stratified rock in which the strata slope towards a vertical axis Compare anticline

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syncline Scientific  

/ sĭn′klīn′ /

1. A fold of rock layers that slope upward on both sides of a common low point. Synclines form when rocks are compressed by plate-tectonic forces. They can be as small as the side of a cliff or as large as an entire valley.

2. Compare anticline

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Other Word Forms

• synclinal
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of syncline

First recorded in 1870–75; back formation from synclinal

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Compare meaning

How does syncline compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anticline vs. syncline

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

syncline

Folds are classified into five categories: anticline, syncline, monocline, dome, and basin.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017

An upward fold is called an anticline, while a downward fold is called a syncline.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

If we know that the folded beds have not been overturned, then we can use the more specific terms: anticline and syncline.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

If it were a syncline, the arrows would point towards the line.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

On the outer flanks of these mountains the longitudinal ridges and valleys of the Jura correspond with lines of anticline and syncline.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various

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