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 declination of the newly discovered star";
   - celestial latitude, dec
    
2. A condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state; decline
   "The declination of his health was a cause for concern";
   - decline
    
3. A downward slope or bend
   "The path followed the natural declination of the hillside";
   - descent, declivity, fall, decline, declension [archaic], downslope
    
4. A polite refusal of an invitation
   "He sent his declination that he couldn't attend the wedding";
   - regrets

Derived forms: declinations

Type of: acknowledgement, acknowledgment, angular distance, condition, incline, refusal, side, slope, status

Antonym: acclivity, improvement

Encyclopedia: Declination