1. polished or striated surfaces on rock faces or fault planes caused by friction during movement along the fault
Usage: geological term; typically used in plural form

Examples

• The geologist examined the slickensides to determine the direction of fault movement.
• Slickensides on the rock face indicated recent seismic activity in the area.
• The smooth, polished slickensides showed evidence of horizontal displacement.
• Researchers studied the slickensides to understand the earthquake’s mechanics.
• The fault zone displayed prominent slickensides with clear directional striations.
• Slickensides help scientists reconstruct the history of tectonic movement.