/ dɪˈklenʃn; NAmE / noun ( grammar )
1.
[ C ] a set of nouns, adjectives, or pronouns that change in the same way to show case , number, and gender
2.
[ U ] the way in which some sets of nouns, adjectives, and pronouns change their form or endings to show case , number, or gender
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English declinson , from Old French declinaison , from decliner to decline. The change in the ending was probably due to association with words such as ascension .