Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Inclinnation?

\In`clin*na"tion\, n. [L. inclinatio: cf. F. inclination.] 1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a leaning; as, an inclination of the head. 2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or of a road bed. 3. A tendency towards another body or point. 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. 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. A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a willing of that thing. --South. How dost thou find the inclination of the people? --Shak. 6. A person or thing loved or admired. --Sir W. Temple. 7. (Pharm.) Decantation, or tipping for pouring. {Inclination compass}, an inclinometer. {Inclination of an orbit} (Astron.), the angle which the orbit makes 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}.