Definition

Relating to a gradual change or transition in characteristics, often used in biology or geology to describe variations across a gradient.

Example

The clinal variation in the species' traits was evident across the different environments they inhabited.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term clinal?

Yeah, I think it relates to some kind of gradient in biology, right?

Exactly! I read that it describes a gradual change in a species or trait.

That makes sense; it's fascinating how nature works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Clinal → It is derived from the Latin root "cline" (from "clinare", meaning to lean or incline) combined with the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The term "clinal" refers to something that is related to or characterized by a gradient or inclination.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cline' meaning to 'lean' or 'incline' — this helps you remember that 'clinal' refers to something that has a gradient or slope.

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