1. In a manner relating to or exhibiting a cline; showing gradual change across a geographic or environmental gradient.
Usage: biology; ecology; technical

Examples

• The species varies clinally across the mountain range, with body size increasing at higher elevations.
• Populations of the bird are distributed clinally along the coast, showing subtle color differences from north to south.
• Genetic markers change clinally across the continent, reflecting historical migration patterns.
• The trait is expressed clinally rather than discretely, suggesting continuous environmental influence.