noun
cline
klyn
noun
1
A gradual change in a trait across a range of related populations or forms.
"Scientists mapped a cline in wing colour across the butterfly's range."
2
Any smooth, continuous scale or gradient between two extremes.
"Linguists describe formality as a cline rather than a fixed category."
How to Use Cline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gradual, sliding-scale change from one form or trait to another, rather than a sharp jump.
Word Forms
clines plural, clines plural
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Scientists mapped a _____ in wing colour across the butterfly's range.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek klīnō, "to lean" or "slope" — coined in 1938 by biologist Julian Huxley to describe gradual biological variation.