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Glite Dictionary
aclinic line

aclinic line

9.9
An invisible line around the Earth parallel to the equator where a compass needle stays horizontal
  • noun
  • /ˈeɪklɪnɪk laɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : línea aclínica
  • The aclinic line marks the part of the Earth where a compass needle shows no vertical inclination.

Examples

  • Early geophysicists mapped the aclinic line to study Earth's magnetic field.

  • Crossing the aclinic line indicates where a compass needle will point horizontally without tilting.

  • As you cross the aclinic line, the angle of dip in a magnetic needle changes direction.

  • The aclinic line is crucial for navigators.

  • Many sailors rely on the aclinic line for accurate navigation.

  • Geophysicists often study the aclinic line to understand variations in the Earth's magnetic field.

  • When you reach the aclinic line, a magnetic needle will hang straight down, showing no dip.

Synonyms

magnetic equator
vsaclinic line
  • Specialized
7.6

An imaginary line around the Earth where compass needles point horizontally

is defined as exactly parallel rather than roughly parallel

Surface Forms

aclinic line singular
aclinic lines plural

Morphology

aclinic + line

The compound contains the opaque, highly technical form 'aclinic' which is not a familiar English word or analyzable by a B1 learner from common morphemes, while 'line' is generic. Because the crucial meaning rests on specialized scientific morphology (a- + clinic/klin- meaning ‘without inclination’) that is not transparent to average learners, the overall sense cannot be derived from the constituents.

Etymology

The noun aclinic line names an imaginary circle around the Earth where a compass needle stays flat and does not lean. Picture walking along that line and seeing the compass needle always flat; that's why the aclinic line marks places with 'no tilt' in a compass.