I. ə̇nˈklīn verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English inclinen, enclinen, from Middle French encliner, incliner, from Latin inclinare, from in- in- (II) + clinare to bend — more at lean
intransitive verb
1. : to bend the head or body forward : bow
inclining toward the speaker to hear more clearly
2. : to lean, tend, or become drawn especially toward an opinion or course of conduct : favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person
incline as we grow older more and more to traditional ways
his heart inclined to the child
3. : to deviate from a line, direction, or course : lean
converging lines incline toward each other
specifically : to deviate from the vertical or horizontal
the shaft inclines almost 30 degrees
snow-laden birches inclining over the road
4. of a military formation : to march or move obliquely to the front so as to gain ground on the flank as well as forward
transitive verb
1. : to cause to stoop or bow : bend
inclining her head in greeting
2. : to orient in the direction of : impart a trend toward, liking for, or interest in : influence in favor of something (as a course, interest, view)
increasing knowledge inclines one to further study
tried to incline him to help
3. : to cause to deviate physically especially from the horizontal or vertical : arrange in a slanting position : give a bend, slope, or slant to
rays of light are inclined in passing through a medium of high refractive index
inclining the rake against the fence
4. : to heel (a ship) experimentally to determine stability or center of gravity
•
- incline one's ear
II. ˈinˌklīn, ə̇nˈk- noun
( -s )
: an ascending or descending inclined plane : grade , gradient , slope : as
a. : an inclined mine shaft or inclined portion of an otherwise vertical shaft — compare adit
b.
(1) : a railway track and supporting structure on a grade extending from an adjustable apron or bridge at a transfer slip
(2) : a railway built on a slope on which cars are raised and lowered by means of a mechanically operated cable