'Inclination of the needle' definitions:

Definition of 'Inclination of the needle'

From: GCIDE
  • Inclination \In`cli*na"tion\, n. [L. inclinatio: cf. F. inclination.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a leaning; as, an inclination of the head. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or of a road bed. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A tendency towards another body or point. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a willing of that thing. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • How dost thou find the inclination of the people? --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A person or thing loved or admired. --Sir W. Temple. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Pharm.) Decantation, or tipping for pouring. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]