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Uncontrolled nodding
Answer for the clue "Uncontrolled nodding ", 8 letters:
nutation
Word definitions for nutation in dictionaries
Wikipedia
Word definitions in Wikipedia
Nutation is a rocking, swaying, or nodding motion in the axis of rotation of a largely axially symmetric object, such as a gyroscope or the Earth. It may also refer to: In biology: Nutation (botany) , bending movements executed by some plant organs In human ...
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context physics English) a bobbing motion that accompanies the precession of a spinning rigid body 2 a nodding motion (of the head etc.) 3 (context astronomy English) any of several irregularities in the precession of the equinoxes caused by varying ...
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Nutation \Nu*ta"tion\, n. [L. nutatio a nodding, fr. nutare to nod: cf. F. nutation.] The act of nodding. So from the midmost the nutation spreads, Round and more round, o'er all the sea of heads. --Pope. (Astron.) A very small libratory motion of ...
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1610s, "action of nodding," from Latin nutationem (nominative nutatio ), noun of action from past participle stem of nutare "to nod," from PIE *neu- "to nod" (see numinous ). Astronomical use is from 1715. Related: Nutational .
WordNet
Word definitions in WordNet
n. uncontrolled nodding
Usage examples of nutation.
Nutation, or nodding, is a small but irregular movement that swings the celestial pole 10 seconds away from the smooth precessional circle every 18.