Main Entry: ori·en·ta·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌōr-ē-ən-ˈtā-shən, ˌȯr-, -ˌen-\

Function: noun

1 a : the act or process of orienting or of being oriented b : the state of being oriented
2 : a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest—see sexual orientation
3 : change of position by organs, organelles, or organisms in response to external stimulus
4 : awareness of the existing situation with reference to time, place, and identity of persons <psychological orientation>

—ori·en·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-^əl\ adjective

—ori·en·ta·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb