Of a river, stream, or other effluence: tributary. Similarly of a valley, etc.

spec. designating or pertaining to a valley having such a cross-section, esp. when contrasted with a U-shaped valley.

Of a valley, river, etc.: crossing a fold; passing through an anticline or syncline.

Of a valley, river, etc.: descending in a direction opposite to the dip of the underlying rocks.

Physical Geography and Geology. Designating a stream, river, or drainage system that has persisted in the same course despite changes in topography.

(See quot. 1875.) Cf. anaclinal, adj.

Geology. (See quots. 1904 1960.)

Physical Geography. Of a stream, valley, or drainage pattern: following a course which is independent of the underlying rock structure, typically…

Physical Geography. Of a stream, valley, or drainage pattern: following a course which is independent of the underlying rock structure, typically…

Physical Geography. Of a stream, valley, etc.: having a direction or character determined by the resistance to erosion of the underlying rock, and…

Of a stream, stream valley, or drainage pattern: having a course or form that appears haphazard and exhibits no apparent relation to the form or…

Steepened further; esp. (of a valley or slope) having a greater steepness than running water would have caused owing to the predominantly downward…

Physical Geography. Designating an angular valley deeply cut into a hillside or mountainside. Also in extended use.