cline

1 of 2

noun

ˈklīn How to pronounce cline (audio)
: a gradient of morphological or physiological change in a group of related organisms usually along a line of environmental or geographic transition
clinal
ˈklī-nᵊl How to pronounce cline (audio)
adjective
clinally
ˈklī-nə-lē How to pronounce cline (audio)
adverb

-cline

2 of 2

noun combining form

: slope
monocline

Examples of cline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The primary cline of genetic variation in Europe is North-South, with a secondary one going from West-East. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2012

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek klinein

Noun combining form

back-formation from -clinal

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cline was in 1938

Rhymes for cline

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Browse Nearby Words

clinch nut
cline
-cline
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cline. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cline

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cline

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