declination

(dek′lə nā′s̸hən)

noun

a bending or sloping downward; deviation from the horizontal or vertical
an oblique variation from some definite direction
the angle formed by a magnetic needle with the line pointing to the geographical North Pole
a polite declining or refusal
Archaic decline; deterioration; decay
Astron. the angular distance of a celestial body north or south from the celestial equator: it is used with right ascension to find an exact position in the sky: abbrev. Dec, dec

Origin: ME declinacioun < L declinatio: see declension

See declination in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A sloping or bending downward.
A falling off, especially from prosperity or vigor; a decline.
A deviation, as from a specific direction or standard.
A refusal to accept.
Magnetic declination.
Astronomy The angular distance to a point on a celestial object, measured north or south from the celestial equator.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English declinacioun

Origin: , from Old French declination

Origin: , from Latin dēclīnātiō, dēclīnātiōn-

Origin: , from dēclīnātus

Origin: , past participle of dēclīnāre, to turn away; see decline

Related Forms: