ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈnāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English declinacioun, from Middle French declination, from Latin declination-, declinatio, literally, turning aside
1. : latitude in the equator system of coordinates corresponding to terrestrial latitude ; specifically : angular distance from the celestial equator measured positively northward or negatively southward along a great circle passing through the celestial poles
2. : a turning aside or swerving : deviation
makes his best virtue from the even line with fatal declination swerve aside — Robert Southey
3. : a decline (as from prosperity or vigor) : deterioration
something radically deficient in his makeup … brought on this moral declination — Josephine T. Baker
4. : a leaning or bending downward : inclination
a declination of the antiquary's stiff backbone acknowledged the preference — Sir Walter Scott
5. : a formal refusal : nonacceptance
declinations of appointments and resignations had been frequent — G.W.Goble
6. : the angle formed between a magnetic needle and the geographical meridian when the needle points east or west of true north
east declination
west declination
— called also variation