Uförmig

Uförmig is a German adjective meaning “U-shaped,” used to describe objects, contours, or cross-sections that resemble the letter U. Such shapes have two inward-turned limbs connected at the base by a curved section, forming a trough-like profile.

The standard spelling in German is often U-förmig (with a hyphen); some writers also encounter the closed form Uförmig, especially in technical or compound usages. The form is declined accordingly: ein U-förmiger Kanal, eine U-förmige Rinne, ein U-förmiges Profil.

Applications span several fields. In geography, U-förmige Täler refer to valleys shaped by glacial erosion, with broad floors and steep sides. In engineering and architecture, U-förmige Querschnitte describe channels, gutters, rails, or beam profiles that exhibit a U-shaped cross-section. In design and product naming, U-förmige Griffe or Halterungen denote handles or mounts shaped like the letter U.

Related terms include V-förmig (V-shaped) and, less commonly, L-förmig (L-shaped). In English-language contexts, the equivalent descriptor is typically “U-shaped.” The term is primarily descriptive and its exact spelling can vary by style guide or domain.