DECLINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Declination refers to the act or process of declining, decreasing or declining in value, quantity, or quality. In the context of geography, declination is the angular measurement of the horizontal deviation of a compass needle or the magnetic north from true north. It is commonly expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds, and helps in determining the orientation and navigation of a compass.
In astronomy, declination is an angular measurement that represents the distance of a celestial object from the celestial equator, often expressed in degrees. It is one of the coordinates used to locate objects in the sky, along with right ascension. Declination helps in locating and tracking celestial bodies, as well as enabling astronomers to accurately observe and study their movements.
In a broader sense, declination can also refer to the act of refusing, rejecting, or turning something down. It pertains to politely declining an invitation, offer, or request. This form of declination is often seen as a polite and respectful way of expressing one's disinterest or unavailability. It requires tact and consideration, allowing individuals to gracefully decline without causing offense or damaging relationships.
Overall, declination encompasses the concepts of decreasing, orientation, and refusal, depending on the specific context in which the term is used.
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Deflection of the vertical meridian of the eye to one or the other side in consequence of rotation of the eyeball in its anteroposterior axis; negative d. is when the upper pole of the vertical diameter approaches the nose, positive d. is when it turns toward the temple. .
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Deviation; falling to a worse state or condition; in astron., a variation from a fixed line or point.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DECLINATION
Etymology of DECLINATION
The word "declination" has its origins in the Latin word "declinatio", which comes from the verb "declinare". "Declinare" consists of two parts: "de", meaning "down" or "away", and "clinare", meaning "to bend" or "to lean". Therefore, "declination" originally referred to the act of bending or leaning away. Over time, the word's meaning evolved, and it is now commonly used to describe the angular distance of a celestial body from the celestial equator, measured in degrees.
Similar spelling words for DECLINATION
- declining,
- declamation,
- co-declination,
- desalinate,
- desalinisation,
- desalination,
- declension,
- declamatory,
- declinometer,
- desalinization,
- declaration.
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