nutation

Definition of Nutation in English :

1. nutation

uncontrolled nodding

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Nutation

noun

1. astronomy

a periodic variation in the precession of the earth's axis causing the earth's poles to oscillate about their mean position

2. physics

a periodic variation in the uniform precession of the axis of any spinning body, such as a gyroscope, about the horizontal

3. Also called: circumnutation

the spiral growth of a shoot, tendril, or similar plant organ, caused by variation in the growth rate in different parts

4.

the act or an instance of nodding the head

noun

1.

the act or instance of nodding the head

2.

a periodic variation in the inclination from the vertical of the rotation axis of a spinning body, as a top

3. Astronomy

such a small, periodic oscillation of the earth's axis which slightly varies or nods the earth's precessional motion

4. Botany

a slight rotatory movement, as in the stem of a plant, due to the varying rates of growth in its parts

n.

1. The act or an instance of nodding the head.

2. A wobble in a spinning gyroscope or other rotating body.

3. Astronomy A small periodic irregularity in the precessional motion of the earth's polar axis with respect to the pole of the ecliptic.

4. Botany A slight curving or circular movement in a stem, as of a twining plant, caused by variation in growth rates of different parts.