Inclination of the needle
(gcide) | Inclination \In`cli*na"tion\, n. [L. inclinatio: cf. F.
inclination.]
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1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a
leaning; as, an inclination of the head.
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2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or
horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or
of a road bed.
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3. A tendency towards another body or point.
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4. (Geom.) The angle made by two lines or planes; as, the
inclination of the plane of the earth's equator to the
plane of the ecliptic is about 23[deg] 28'; the
inclination of two rays of light.
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5. A leaning or tendency of the mind, feelings, preferences,
or will; propensity; a disposition more favorable to one
thing than to another; favor; desire; love.
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A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a
willing of that thing. --South.
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How dost thou find the inclination of the people?
--Shak.
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6. A person or thing loved or admired. --Sir W. Temple.
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7. (Pharm.) Decantation, or tipping for pouring.
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Inclination compass, an inclinometer.
Inclination of an orbit (Astron.), the angle which the
orbit makes with the ecliptic.
Inclination of the needle. See Dip of the needle, under
Dip.
Syn: Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity;
prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire;
affection; love. See Bent, and cf. Disposition.
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