1. (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
   "The astronomer measured the dec of the newly discovered star";
   - declination, celestial latitude

1. The last (12th) month of the year
   - December

Derived forms: decs

Type of: angular distance, Gregorian calendar month

Part of: Gregorian calendar, New Style calendar

Encyclopedia: Dec