declivity

[ dih-kliv-i-tee ]

/ dɪˈklɪv ɪ ti /

a downward slope, as of ground (opposed to acclivity).

Origin of declivity

1605–15; < L of dēclīvitās a slope, hill, equivalent to dēclīvi(s) sloping downward ( dē- de- + clīv(us) slope, hill + -is adj. suffix) + -tās -ty²

The room in which she sat was old and low; the ceiling bulged here and there, the floor had unexpected slopes and declivities.

The History of David Grieve |Mrs. Humphry Ward
The angles of the declivities widened and the ledges narrowed, and frightful precipices met their gaze.

In Search of the Castaways |Jules Verne
The Greeks drove flocks and herds up and down the declivities of the mountains, or hunted wild beasts in forests and fastnesses.

Xerxes |Jacob Abbott
Only one thing was wanting to the scenewhere was the rustling sound of trees on the declivities of the mountains?

Cyprus |Franz von Lher

I could see the rocks and dbris jumping down the declivities, and forming singular cascades.

Hours of Exercise in the Alps |John Tyndall

declivity

/ (dɪˈklɪvɪtɪ) /

a downward slope, esp of the ground Compare acclivity

declivitous, adjective

C17: from Latin dēclīvitās, from de- + clīvus a slope, hill