acclivity

Definition

A slope or inclination of the earth, as the side of a hill, considered as ascending, in opposition to declivity, or descending; an upward slope; ascent.

Etymology

First attested in 1614. From Latin acclīvitās, from acclīvis (“ascending”), from ad + clīvus (“slope”).

Example Sentences

• "how gaily vineyards and olives alternately chequer the acclivities"
• "she would walk […] as far as to the point where the acclivity from the valley began its first steep ascent to the outer world."
• "Just below it leaned a tottering crag that would have toppled, starting an avalanche on an acclivity where no sliding mass could stop."