angle of declination

1
: the angle made by a descending line or plane with a horizontal plane
2
: the angle between the direction indicated by a magnetic needle and the true meridian

called also magnetic declination

Word History

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of angle of declination was in 1733

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near angle of declination

Cite this Entry

“Angle of declination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angle%20of%20declination. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!