nutation

noun nu·ta·tion \nü-ˈtā-shən, nyü-\

Definition of NUTATION

archaic : the act of nodding the head

: oscillatory movement of the axis of a rotating body (as the earth) : wobble

: a spontaneous usually spiral movement of a growing plant part

— nu·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

Latin nutation-, nutatio, from nutare to nod, rock — more at numen

First Known Use: 1612

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