Doline

/ˈdɒliːn/ noun

Definition

A bowl-shaped depression in the ground caused by subsidence or the dissolution of underlying rock.

Etymology

Variant of 'dolina,' from South Slavic origins, standardized in English geological terminology for karst landscape features.

Kelly Says

Geologists use 'doline' when they want to sound more professional than 'sinkhole'—but they mean the same dramatic collapse where solid ground suddenly isn't.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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