Main Entry: dec·li·na·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌde-klə-ˈnā-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English declinacioun, from Middle French declination, from Latin declination-, declinatio angle of the heavens, turning aside

Date: 14th century

1 : angular distance north or south from the celestial equator measured along a great circle passing through the celestial poles
2 : a turning aside or swerving
3 : deterioration <moral declination>
4 : a bending downward : inclination
5 : a formal refusal
6 : the angle formed between a magnetic needle and the geographical meridian

— dec·li·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective