Aclinal

/eɪˈklaɪnəl/ adjective

Definition

Geological or biological term describing something that is not inclined or sloped, or perpendicular to the direction of inclination.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (not) + 'klinein' (to lean, incline), literally 'not leaning,' used in geology and mathematics to describe surfaces or structures without slope.

Kelly Says

In geology, finding truly aclinal surfaces on Earth is almost impossible — gravity and erosion ensure that almost everything eventually has some slope, making 'aclinal' more of a theoretical concept.

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