continental slope

noun

: the comparatively steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of continental slope was in 1900

Rhymes for continental slope

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Browse Nearby Words

continental shelf
continental slope
continental sunday
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Cite this Entry

“Continental slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continental%20slope. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

continental slope

noun
: a usually steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor

More from Merriam-Webster on continental slope

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about continental slope

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