nutation

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

nu·ta·tion

noun \nü-ˈtā-shən, nyü-\

Definition of NUTATION

1
archaic : the act of nodding the head
2
: oscillatory movement of the axis of a rotating body (as the earth) : wobble
3
: a spontaneous usually spiral movement of a growing plant part
nu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Origin of NUTATION

Latin nutation-, nutatio, from nutare to nod, rock — more at numen
First Known Use: 1612

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