Inclination
Inclination , noun
[Latin inclinatio: compare French 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.
(Geometry) 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° 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.
How dost thou find the inclination of the people?
6.
A person or thing loved or admired. — Sir W. Temple
7.
(Pharmacy) Decantation, or tipping for pouring.
Collocations (3)
Inclination compass , an inclinometer.
Inclination of an orbit (Astronomy) , the angle which the orbit makes with the ecliptic.
Inclination of the needle , See Dip of the needle, under Dip.