1. a polite refusal or rejection of an invitation, offer, or request
Usage: formal
2. the angular distance of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator
Usage: astronomy
3. the angle between magnetic north and true north at a particular location
Usage: navigation; geology

Examples

• She sent a polite declination to the wedding invitation.
• His declination of the job offer surprised everyone.
• The star’s declination was measured at 15 degrees north.
• Astronomers use declination and right ascension to locate objects in the sky.
• The compass declination in this area is 12 degrees west.
• Hikers must account for magnetic declination when using a compass.
• The declination varies depending on your geographic location.