Acclivity

/əˈklɪvɪti/ noun

Definition

An upward slope or steep incline, especially of land or terrain.

Etymology

From Latin acclivitas, combining ad- (toward) + clivus (slope). The term originated in geography and geology to describe how the land rises toward higher elevations.

Kelly Says

Technically precise but rarely used, 'acclivity' has a perfect opposite: 'declivity' (downward slope), and together they represent one of Latin's most elegant pairs of opposite terms.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.