Syn-clī'nal, a.

a. [Gr. συγκλίνειν, to incline together, from σύν, with, and κλίνειν, to incline.]

1. Inclined downward from opposite directions, so as to meet in a common point or line.
2. (Geol.) Formed by means of strata dipping toward a common line or plane; as, a synclinal trough or valley; — opposed to anticlinal.

A downward flexure in the case of folded rocks makes a synclinal axis, and the alternating upward flexure an anticlinal axis.