dolin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dolin” mean?
A small, shallow valley or depression in the landscape, often formed by the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, shallow valley or depression in the landscape, often formed by the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rock.
In geology and physical geography, a dolin (also spelled doline) is a closed depression draining underground, typically circular or oval, formed by karst processes. It can also refer to a small, enclosed valley in a broader topographical sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'doline' is more common in British English, while 'dolin' is a recognized variant. In American English, 'sinkhole' is the far more common general term, though 'doline' is used in technical contexts.
Connotations
In technical writing, the term is neutral and descriptive. The more common 'sinkhole' can carry connotations of sudden collapse and danger in general usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. 'Sinkhole' is the dominant term in non-specialist contexts. 'Doline' appears in academic papers, textbooks, and field guides.
Grammar
How to Use “dolin” in a Sentence
The [geological process] formed a dolin.The landscape is pockmarked with dolins.A dolin developed in the [rock type].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form in standard use]
American English
- [No verb form in standard use]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form in standard use]
American English
- [No adverb form in standard use]
adjective
British English
- The dolin features of the Yorkshire Dales are well-studied.
American English
- The dolin topography presented challenges for the construction project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geology, geography, and environmental science papers and textbooks to describe specific karst landforms.
Everyday
Extremely rare. The average speaker would use 'sinkhole' or simply 'hole in the ground'.
Technical
The primary context. Used in geological surveys, geomorphological studies, and speleology (cave science).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolin”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolin”
- Using 'dolin' in everyday conversation.
- Confusing it with 'dell' (a small, wooded valley).
- Misspelling as 'dollin' or 'dolean'.
- Using it as a synonym for any hole or crater.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In technical usage, a dolin (or doline) is a type of sinkhole, specifically one formed by dissolution of rock. In everyday language, 'sinkhole' is the broader, more common term.
In British English, it's pronounced /ˈdəʊlɪn/ (DOH-lin). In American English, it's /ˈdoʊlɪn/ (DOH-lin). The first syllable rhymes with 'go'.
No. This is a highly specialized scientific term. For general communication, learn the word 'sinkhole' instead.
A dolin is a surface depression, an opening *down into* the ground. A cave is an underground void or passage. A dolin can be the surface entrance to a cave system.
A small, shallow valley or depression in the landscape, often formed by the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rock.
Dolin is usually technical / scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOughnut-shaped LINe in the ground – a DO-LIN – a circular depression.
Conceptual Metaphor
A natural bowl; the earth's dimple; a landscape's pore.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dolin' primarily used?