n.
Pronunciation: also ' d ē - ˌ kl ī n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the process of declining: a : a gradual physical or mental sinking and wasting away b : a change to a lower state or level <the decline of the aristocracy>
2 : the period during which something is deteriorating or approaching its end <an empire in decline >
3 : a downward slope
4 : a wasting disease especially : pulmonary tuberculosis
synonyms see DETERIORATION