Main Entry: nu·ta·tion

Pronunciation: \nü-ˈtā-shən, nyü-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin nutation-, nutatio, from nutare to nod, rock — more at numen

Date: 1612

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-n^əl\ adjective