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

Etymology

Origin of syncline

First recorded in 1870–75; back formation from synclinal

Compare meaning

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

• anticline vs. syncline

Example Sentences

A synform has the shape of a syncline but like an antiform, does not have distinguishable age zones.

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 the axial plane is sufficiently tilted that the beds on one side have been tilted past vertical, the fold is known as an overturned anticline or syncline.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

When the arch is reversed, like this , it is called a syncline.

From The Geological Story of the Isle of Wight by Hughes, J. Cecil