Declination - Definition
declination
n 1: a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual
falling off from a better state [syn: decline,
declination] [ant: improvement, melioration]
2: a downward slope or bend [syn: descent, declivity,
fall, decline, declination, declension, downslope]
[ant: acclivity, ascent, climb, raise, rise,
upgrade]
3: (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial body north or
to the south of the celestial equator; expressed in degrees;
used with right ascension to specify positions on the
celestial sphere [syn: declination, celestial latitude,
dec]
4: a polite refusal of an invitation [syn: declination,
regrets]